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Chamber connection april 2014

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Chamber Connection April 2014
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Now that I’ve been on the job for a few months, I’m often asked by members how I’m settling in and what do I like most about my job here. There are a lot of things I really enjoy about my job; from working with a very dedicated, talented and thoughtful staff; to speaking to different groups of members about the exciting things we are working on here at the Chamber. One thing that has impressed me the most is the number of people who are so very willing to provide their time and talents to support our organization. Our Chamber Ambassadors are an exemplary group of volunteers who are critical to the success of our organization. You will see these friendly people donning their red coats at any number of Chamber events. No matter the day or time of the event, our Ambassadors unselfishly and enthusiastically show up and volunteer their time. Our red- coated volunteers are reinforcements for Chamber members at Chamber events. You can walk up to any Ambassador at an event and tell them, “I’m new.” or “I’d like to expand my business network.” and they will help introduce you to other business professionals you would like to get to know. From the President Aaron Kapellusch By Aaron Kapellusch In this issue . . . Member News Featured Member Business Small Business of the Year Ambassador of the Month Volunteer Spotlight New Members Ribbon Cuttings An important note of distinction: our Ambassadors have full- time jobs at member businesses; and their employers support volunteerism because they support the Chamber’s mission of enhancing our community by building business success. Every new Chamber member is assigned an Ambassador. Meeting one-to-one with designated staff at the member business, the Ambassador will work through Chamber benefits in detail – helping to ensure member businesses are taking full advantage of their investment. The Ambassador teaches a member: how to update their company profile (which helps to direct Chamber website traffic through to the member); where to post job openings (free benefit to members); where to register for programs (vital to helping a business and its employees grow); and where to submit member success stories (sharing the success inspires others!). Ambassadors also work with members who’ve been with the Chamber more long-term teaching with equal skill and level of caring. Chamber Ambassadors represent their employer and the Chamber very well through their continued contributions to a growing and thriving business region. Their helpful, can-do attitudes, and red coats make them easily recognizable at Chamber events; and some days I think they’re wearing red capes. www.wausauchamber.com April 2014
Transcript
Page 1: Chamber connection april 2014

Now that I’ve been on the job for a few months, I’m often asked by members how I’m settling in and what do I like most about my job here. There are a lot of things I really enjoy about my job; from working with a very dedicated, talented and thoughtful staff; to speaking to different groups of members about the exciting things we are working on here at the Chamber. One thing that has impressed me the most is the number of people who are so very willing to provide their time and talents to support our organization. Our Chamber Ambassadors are an exemplary group of volunteers who are critical to the success of our organization. You will see these friendly people donning their red coats at any number of Chamber events. No matter the day or time of the event, our Ambassadors unselfishly and enthusiastically show up and volunteer their time. Our red-coated volunteers are reinforcements for Chamber members at Chamber events. You can walk up to any Ambassador at an event and tell them, “I’m new.” or “I’d like to expand my business network.” and they will help introduce you to other business professionals you would like to get to know.

From the President

Aaron Kapellusch

By Aaron Kapellusch

In this issue . . .• Member News• Featured Member Business• Small Business of the Year• Ambassador of the Month• Volunteer Spotlight• New Members• Ribbon Cuttings

An important note of distinction: our Ambassadors have full-time jobs at member businesses; and their employers support volunteerism because they support the Chamber’s mission of enhancing our community by building business success. Every new Chamber member is assigned an Ambassador. Meeting one-to-one with designated staff at the member business, the Ambassador will work through Chamber benefits in detail – helping to ensure member businesses are taking full advantage of their investment. The Ambassador teaches a member: how to update their company profile (which helps to direct Chamber website traffic through to the member); where to post job openings (free benefit to members); where to register for programs (vital to helping a business and its employees grow); and where to submit member success stories (sharing the success inspires others!). Ambassadors also work with members who’ve been with the Chamber more long-term teaching with equal skill and level of caring. Chamber Ambassadors represent their employer and the Chamber very well through their continued contributions to a growing and thriving business region. Their helpful, can-do attitudes, and red coats make them easily recognizable at Chamber events; and some days I think they’re wearing red capes.

www.wausauchamber.com

April 2014

Page 2: Chamber connection april 2014

Leadercast is a one-day event broadcast live from Atlanta to over 100,000 leaders around the globe. Northcentral Technical College (NTC) is once again bringing this valuable content to five campus locations throughout northcentral Wisconsin. Join us on May 9, 2014, and watch what wecan collectively do together. It's a movement that is changing the way the world thinks about leadership by building leaders worth following.

600 Simulcasts.40 Countries.

1 Mission.

Leadercast will be held at the NTC Wausau, Antigo, Phillips, Medford and Spencer campuses.

Check in: 7:15 a.m.-7:45 a.m. Event times: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Per Person Rates: Early Bird Rate $89 / Regular Rate $99 / Chamber Member Rate $79(Early bird rate available through April 24)

To register please visit www.ntc.edu/ce/conferences. For more information please call 715.803.1230 or email [email protected] here.

Page 3: Chamber connection april 2014

More than 10 years ago the family of Brandon Fochs turned a personal tragedy into an opportunity to help others, and they’ve been doing so ever since. The family recently made a $12,500 gift to the Aspirus Health Foundation from its non-profit organization called Brandon’s Champions, which is dedicated to bicycle and helmet safety. The funds will support children’s safety initiatives and provide area youths with bike helmets, bike safety education and identification tags.

Becher-Hoppe Associates, Inc., a Wausau based Engineering and Architecture firm, announces the addition of Rick Schroeder, AIA, as their Architectural Group Manager. Rick has a Master of Business Administration in Finance from De Paul University and a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He has more than 20 years of architecture experience and his extensive project portfolio will be an asset to the firm.

Guaranty Title Services, Inc. (“GTS”) announces the appointments of David Welles and Michelle Skic to its senior management team in Northern Wisconsin. Both David and Michelle have established themselves as leaders in regional real estate industry and have joined GTS to help it realize its ambitious growth plans, reiterating GTS’ commitment to winning. David Welles is teaming up with GTS as its Executive Director for the Northern Region, in which capacity

he will lead service operations in Wausau and Merrill. Michelle Skic joins GTS as the Manager of its Merrill branch.

The Humane Society of Marathon County, in partnership with Get Out and Dance, is presenting a fundraising event, “Dancing for the Paws.” The event will be held Saturday, April 12, 2014 at the Patriot Center. Doors will open at 5:00 pm, dinner at 5:30, and the dance competition will start at 7:30. Tickets can be purchased at the Humane Society of Marathon County, at Get Out and Dance in Weston or online at www.Showtix4u.com (Humane Society of Marathon County – Dancing for the Paws event).

The Wausau Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), will hold their 9th Annual Administrative Professional Event on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at the Jefferson Street Inn. The conference will feature keynote presenter Jason Kotecki who will present “Curing Adultitis: Your Prescription for Less Stress and More Success at Work and Home.” Jason will reveal to attendees how to reignite our passion for our work and life in order to help improve our communication, time management and leadership skills. Register now.

Keller, Inc., a Design/Build General Contractor with offices in the Fox Cities, Madison, Milwaukee and Wausau, announces the promotion of Tom Fricke to Operations Manager. Fricke has 20 years

www.wausauchamber.com

Member News

Page 4: Chamber connection april 2014

of experience with Keller which includes previous positions as metal building erector, expeditor and lead expeditor. As the recently-promoted Operations Manager, he is responsible for managing daily operations of the Operations Department which includes Purchasing, Expediting and Material Coordination.

Keller, Inc. announces the promotion of Troy Schwabenlander to Material Coordinator. Schwabenlander has been with Keller for the past 12 years working in the Finish Carpentry Division. As the Material Coordinator, he is responsible for material inventories, delivery coordination, and supervision of yard personnel.

Keller, Inc., announces the addition of Darrin Braun to its Wausau Project Management Team. Darrin will be responsible for project sales in the Wausau and outlying areas along with management of those projects through completion. Braun has over ten years of experience in the construction industry.

Marathon County Historical Society welcomes nationally-recognized infectious disease specialist Dr. Dennis G. Maki, MD who will explore the impact that infectious diseases have had in our past, as well as current and possible future effects of contagious diseases. He will speak on Thursday, April 10 at 7:00 pm at the Woodson History Center. As a prelude to our upcoming medical exhibit, scheduled to open in late summer, Dr. Maki will discuss the effects that diseases such as polio have had on our communities and how they were combated through the years.

Ministry Health Care is pleased to welcome Jacque Hustedt, RN, to her new role as the Patient Advocate at Ministry Saint Clare’s Hospital in Weston. Hustedt joins the leadership team at Ministry Saint Clare’s after 15 years as a cardiac nurse, most recently with Cardiovascular Associates. She replaces Sister

Sharee Hurtgen who retired at the end of February. As the Patient Advocate, Hustedt listens, offers support to clear up difficulties and reduces the overall stress of the hospital experience as part of Ministry Saint Clare’s goal of achieving customer satisfaction. Ministry Saint Clare’s Hospital was named one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals® by Truven Health Analytics, a leading provider of information and solutions to improve the cost and quality of healthcare. Ministry Saint Clare’s earned Top 100 recognition for the second consecutive year and is one of only five named in the study from the state of Wisconsin. The Truven Health 100 Top Hospitals study evaluates performance in different 10 areas.

Ministry Medical Group and Expera are celebrating 10 years of rolling out a healthy workforce. Paul Winter, Safety Manager for Expera Specialty Solutions, LLC, was confident that adding health care services on site was the right thing to do – for employees as well as the bottom line. Ministry Medical Group began by developing job function descriptions and expanded five years later with on-site services at the Rhinelander Mill to help with injury treatment and prevention and workers compensation cost reduction. Northcentral Technical College is looking to place students in Business Management Internships. The internship is meant to be completed during the student’s last two semesters in the program and is designed to give the student the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the workplace as well as earn academic credit. Please contact Kimberly Reed, Business Management Instructor at NTC, at 715-803-1729 or [email protected] if you would to learn more.

The Central Wisconsin Society for Human Resource Management (CWSHRM) and Ruder Ware are partnering to provide valuable information on human

Member News

www.wausauchamber.com

Page 5: Chamber connection april 2014

www.wausauchamber.com

Member News

resource management. The program will take place on Thursday, April 10, 2014 at the Holiday Inn and Suites in Rothschild, WI; registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Opening presentation will feature motivational speaker Ann Kerian. Ruder Ware Attorneys Sara Ackermann, Mary Ellen Schill, and Kevin Terry will lead the legal workshops. David Levin, a nationally recognized speaker and author, will handle the closing presentation. Additional details can be found online. Jim Ross has joined The Samuels Group as a project manager and is responsible for the daily management of construction projects. Bringing over 20 years of experience in the industry, he will coordinate with project owners, review bids, supervise contract administration, coordinate design change requests, supervise field engineering support, provide planning and scheduling services, prepare project status reports, budgeting and cash flow projections and supervise material and equipment requirements. Jim is based out of the Waterloo office but provides project management services in the Midwest.

Schenck SC would like to congratulate shareholder Mark Hanson, CPA, CVA, ABV, for his appointment to The Appraisal Foundation’s Business Valuation Resource Panel. The Appraisal Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of professional valuation. The Foundation is directed by a Board of Trustees and is authorized by Congress as the Source of Appraisal Standards and Appraiser Qualifications. The work of the Foundation is important to all disciplines of the appraisal profession as well as to the consumer public.

Schenck SC is pleased to announce Amy Biersteker, MSE has joined the firm as Human Resources Consulting Manager. She will be serving clients firm-wide. Biersteker has more than 20 years of experience working with organizations to develop

leaders and their teams. She provides strategic human resources advice to clients on a variety of issues, including recruitment, organizational development, process improvement and leadership development. Prior to joining Schenck, Biersteker worked as an independent human resources consultant.

The USPS and the Central Wisconsin Postal Customer Council will be hosting a “Free” Workshop for small and medium-sized businesses. It will be held at the Howard Johnson Inn in Wausau on Thursday, May 15, 2014. An itinerary and information can be found here www.cwpcc.com/workshop. Sign up is required. An optional breakfast ($20) and/or lunch ($15) is available for additional networking.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Wisconsin selected Wausau West High School’s 9th grade U.S. History Teacher Christine Kadonsky as the state high school teacher recipient of this year’s Smart/Maher VFW Citizenship Education Teacher Award. Ms. Kadonsky was selected from entries submitted to VFW Posts across Wisconsin and she was sponsored by VFW Post #388 and the Ladies Auxiliary in Wausau.

Business EXPO 2014

Thursday, April 24 | 11 am to 5 pm Admission - Free with business card or $10

Page 6: Chamber connection april 2014

The Rasmussen College – Wausau Campus opened in 2010. The College has a long-standing history and has been in business for more than 110 years. The Rasmussen College – Wausau Campus offers a wide range of degree options, including certificates, diplomas and associate and bachelor’s degrees. We offer degree programs in business, design, education, health sciences, justice studies, nursing and technology.

Students at our Wausau campus have the opportunity to take advantage of frequent on-campus workshops covering everything from study tips and computer use to library research and APA citation and everything in between. Students also have access to today’s most advanced technology in labs and classrooms that are fully equipped and designed to help start their career with the skills needed to succeed. Rasmussen College offers students and alumni individualized career services throughout their career on-site at the Wausau campus. Advisors help students every step of the way from admission to graduation.

Rasmussen College is now offering diploma, associate and bachelor’s degree options in Graphic Design, with specializations in animation and motion graphics, or web and interactive design. The multi-degree program helps students keep pace with the specialized career demands of the field and prepares them to enter the employment market. Rasmussen College was recently granted approval to offer its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in Wisconsin. Rasmussen College also offers an academic program called the Mobility Bridge Transfer option for LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses). This offers students the ability to easily advance from a LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) to a RN (Associate’s Degree in Nursing) to a BSN (Bachelor’s of Science degree). The RN to BSN degree is online and offered throughout the state of Wisconsin, while both the Professional Nursing Associate’s degree and the Mobility Bridge Transfer option are available at the Wausau campus.

Featured Member Story

www.wausauchamber.com

Rasmussen CollegeSubmitted by Rasmussen College

Leadership Excellence Now Accepting Applications

Apply Today!

Questions? Contact Kim Smerda at [email protected] or 715-848-5942

Page 7: Chamber connection april 2014

Biz Bio - Great things are happening with small businesses in Marathon County and we want to help share the good news. Submit yours now.

Member Stories - Here is where we would like to hear from you. • “Members Helping Members”: Tell your

own success story. These stories will be about members, like you, who have made business connections or sales with another WRCC member.

• “Member Success Stories”: Tell your busi-ness story and include what you have done to be successful in business; how you stayed in business for (X) number of years; how you support the economy.

Guidelines for submission: Stories must be 500 words or less. Please include the following content when you submit stories for “Members Helping Members” and/or “Member Success Stories”:

• Business Start Date• Brief overview of your business• How the WRCC has helped you grow• Any photos you have that go with the story

(as available)All of these are great ways for you to get addi-tional exposure for your business!

Please submit your stories/photos to Karen Nerison at [email protected].

We Want to Hear from You!Two great ways to share your story

Notes: Use of the stories will be at the discretion of the WRCC and may be shortened to fit the appropriate platform. Only stories from members in good standing with the WRCC will be used. The information you submit may be used in the

Wausau Daily Herald, Chamber Marketing Materials, The Business New and Social Media Sites.

CHAMBER GOLF OUTING Best Ball Scramble Monday, June 23, 2014 | Wausau Country Club

REGISTRATION OPENS

April 16, 2014

Page 8: Chamber connection april 2014

Small Business of the Year

www.wausauchamber.com

The Small Business of the Year Awards recognize business growth, community involvement and innovative efforts in the Wausau region. The three award categories are Business-to-Business, Business-to-Consumer and Charitable Non-Profit. This year, the Small Business of the Year finalists include a selection of 11 unique businesses representing the region’s vast spectrum of industry, products and services. The 2014 Small Business of the Year Award finalists are:

Business-to-Business Finishing Touch Signs is committed to the idea that signage deserves to be treated with high regard, going above and beyond its purely practical functions. From brainstorming to creating the final product, Finishing Touch can work with you to develop a concept and design for anything you need. From logos to billboards to canvas art on your wall, they have you covered from start to finish. Through advanced manufacturing capabilities and a dedication to quality workmanship, Finishing Touch Signs are able to produce the finest end product. Founded in 2006, they have grown from 2 employees to 6 and achieved 1.1 million dollars in total sales in 2013. Finishing Touch Signs focuses on interior and exterior signs and have completed projects in 48 states. revi DESIGN, LLC is a full service landscape firm providing design, construction, maintenance and snow removal services in Central and Northern Wisconsin. In the last five years, gross sales have increased approximately 32% each year and revi currently employs 99 people. Proud to be known for creative, one-of-a-kind work, along with outstanding customer service, revi DESIGN pays attention to detail.

Business-to-Consumer The City Grill is a restaurant, meeting and banquet facility located in the heart of Downtown Wausau. Opened in May of 2005, The City Grill is the hub of the “Wausau Lifestyle Center” which consists of shopping,

entertainment, hotel accommodations and dining. The “Grill” is a $2.5 million business boasting a “see-and-be-seen” venue offering a hip and pleasant atmosphere while serving wonderfully-prepared food by an amazing staff of friendly and fun people.

Day’s Bowl-A-Dome has been family owned and operated since 1948. It is a bar, full-service restaurant, bowling center and is the perfect place to host your next party, group or corporate function. Offering the best of both worlds – delicious, freshly-prepared food complemented with a refreshing assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks combined with the fun of bowling! Day’s Bowl-a-Dome is an unbeatable combination!

The Ginseng and Herb Co-op started as a very small, grower-owned cooperative with 5 board members and a dream. They have now developed into a 50 member co-op with contracts in 6 different countries. The Ginseng and Herb Co-op has been instrumental with GBW, a marketing order system, in signing a 10 year contract with Tong Ren Tang in China. This contract is now worth approximately $2 billion dollars for our local economy. The Co-op started by selling field run ginseng and now ginseng is being treated more like a food product. Chemical residue tests are performed on every pound of ginseng that moves through the co-op, meeting USDA accepted standards for all countries. The Ginseng and Herb Co-op employs approximately 10 Hmong graders who sort every batch of ginseng. This results in producing a much cleaner product and keeping up with the higher image of the “Finest American Ginseng”.

Grebe’s is a 68 year old, family-owned entrepreneurial venture, specializing in retailing on Wausau’s west side. The company has undergone an unbelievable transformation in the face of countless challenges. Transformed from being a CASE tractor franchise in 1946, Grebe’s is now a store comprised of five specialty departments - Appliances, Chef Center, Grilling Center, Mattresses and Power Center - along with Service departments. Regardless of the change that has come

Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce 2014 Small Business of the Year Finalists

Page 9: Chamber connection april 2014

www.wausauchamber.com

Small Business of the Yeartheir way, three constants have always remained a part of Grebe’s: integrity, honesty, and service.

Charitable Non-Profit The Achieve Center, founded in 2007, has a mission of providing comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for children and their families with neuropsychological and developmental disorders. Providing collaborative assessment and treatment by specialists in multiple fields, the Center has grown from a staff of two in 650 square feet to its current sixteen employees in 6000 square feet. Having earned national recognition, the Achieve Center will continue achieving new growth, as will the children it serves.

Bridge Community Health Clinic targets the needs of the underserved in Central Wisconsin with over 7500 patients annually. Bridge’s current mission is to provide high quality medical, dental and behavioral health services to everyone, regardless of their income or insurance status. Bridge Community Health Clinic is most well-known for its high quality dental and primary care services, which actively involves the patients in their treatment plans. As of 2014, none of Bridge Clinic’s services have a waiting list.

Junior Achievement, since 1976, has been bringing valuable curriculum to area K thru 12 students through volunteer-led, hands-on activities which teach them skills in work-force readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Starting in Northcentral Wisconsin

with the JA Company Program and around 100 area high school students; Junior Achievement is now in all grade levels K-12 - reaching nearly 10,000 students in 500 classrooms. All of JA programs correlate with the common core standards requested by area educators; and are taught by 370+ dedicated volunteers. Junior Achievement’s Mission: to empower young people to own their own economic success.

The Never Forgotten Honor Flight, founded on November 11, 2009, has taken 14 flights, transporting 1,314 veterans and 719 guardians on a Trip of a Lifetime to Washington D.C. to see the memorials built in their honor. All veterans fly completely free of charge. Over $1.6 million dollars have been raised in just over 4 years. Four more Never Forgotten Honor Flights are scheduled for 2014, which will provide another 370 veterans with a priceless, memory-filled journey to our Nation’s capitol. Most of the dedicated Board of Directors and volunteers have indicated that working with the Honor Flight is one of the most important things they have done in their lives.

In 2002, K-tech Kleening System employees learned of area children in need of blankets and food during the holidays. This turned into the development of K-tech Charities, Inc. What started with 25 holiday baskets in 2002 has now grown to donations of 400 baskets to those in need. K-tech Charities also created the Pink Ribbon Open Golf tournament which raises funds for women fighting breast cancer. All events are run by a volunteer squadron of friends, family and employees.

Congratulations to all of the 2014 Small Business of the Year Finalists from the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce!

Page 10: Chamber connection april 2014

EXPO BusinEss PM n 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (6 pm – Awards and Prize Drawings) n The Patriot Center, Rothschild

Come and connect with people who will either be or help you meet your next customer. Enjoy food and beverages from 14 Chamber members.

2013 sMall BusinEss Of thE YEar award COMPanY tOurs

Young’s Drug Store (Business-to-Consumer) n 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm n 310 E Bridge St, Wausau

The Boys and Girls Club of the Wausau Area (Charitable Non-Profit) n 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm n 1710 N 2nd St, Wausau

RMM Solutions (Business-to-Business) n 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm n 210 McClellan St Ste 100, Wausau

Small Business Week n April 21-25, 2014

2014 sMall BusinEss Of thE YEar awards n 7:30 am to 9:00 am n Stoney Creek Inn, Rothschild

lEadErshiP CharaCtEristiCs: an insidE lOOk at suCCEssful lOCal lEadErs

8:00 am to 10:30 am n Holiday Inn & Suites, Rothschild

More than 20 local CEO’s, Presidents, and Business Owners were studied to determine the key characteristics they share based on cognitive ability, behavioral traits, and interests during the 2014 Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce Leadership Study. Join us to learn about the profile of a successful leader and how you can leverage this information for success. A panel of Wausau Region business leaders will share their own thoughts on the key characteristics of successful leaders and answer questions. Presenters: Bridget Wenman, President of Perspectives Training & Consulting; and Deb Pagel, Director of Human Resources Consulting, Schenck SC

Join us as we recognize the finalists and announce the winners! Guest Speaker: Dick Leinenkugel

2014 Small Business of the Year Finalists:

2014 Small Business Week Sponsors:

Register now! | Questions? 715-848-5953

sMall BusinEss Of thE YEar winnErs’ CirClE n 11:00 am to 1:00 pm n Jefferson Street Inn, Wausau

Hear the 2014 winners’ stories and join in the celebration! Student Table Sponsor:

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lEgislatOrs’ fOruM n 11:00 am to 1:00 pm n Jefferson Street Inn, Wausau

Join our region’s state legislators to discuss key policy priorities and issues impacting you and your business.

Invited Keynote Speaker: Governor Scott Walker

Invited Panelists: State Representative Mandy Wright (D), State Representative John Spiros (R), State Representative Bob Kulp (R), State Senator Jerry Petrowski (R) Corporate Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsors:

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Program Sponsors:

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ril 2

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BusinEss EXPO 2014 n 11:00 am to 5:00 pm n The Patriot Center, Rothschild

Take advantage of the opportunity to grow your business and connect with over 200 exhibitors and over 1,000 attendees! EXPO Bingo: Pick up your bingo card at registration; visit participating booths; and have the chance to win prizes, from a tablet to sports packages, awarded at the EXPO Business PM! Open to the public. $10 at the door or free with your business card.

Sponsors:

Program Sponsor:

The Wausau Region Chamber takes one week in April to recognize the achievements of the small businesses in the region. Join us for several events that offer connections, information, and inspire business professionals.

Program Sponsor:

Award Video Sponsor:

Business-to-Business Finishing Touch Signs revi Design, LLC

Business-to-Consumer Day’s Bowl-A-Dome Ginseng & Herb Cooperative Grebe’s, Inc The New City Grill, LLC

Charitable Non-Profit Achieve Center Bridge Community Health Clinic Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, Inc K-tech Charities Never Forgotten Honor Flight

Page 11: Chamber connection april 2014

Ambassador of the Month

Meet Don Bohlin

Don Bohlin is a Manager in Customer Service for Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) in the Wausau office. He is responsible for leading the electric distribution employees in the Wausau area. WPS provides electric service to over 54,000 customers and has 2,200 miles of distribution lines in Marathon County. Don does his part to ensure that energy is provided in a safe and reliable fashion. As a graduate from Michigan Technological University, he began his career with WPS in 1992 as an engineer at the Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant. Since that time, he has worked in several of the district offices in various engineering and leadership roles.

Don, his wife Jamie and their five children enjoy the diversity of recreation that central Wisconsin offers. They spend their winters skiing and going from one hockey game to another. In the summer they take to the lakes and spend some time with their family in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Don has been a Chamber Volunteer for six years serving on the Business Advocacy Committee, Legislative Agenda Subcommittee and Chamber Board of Directors. He enjoys the feeling of being connected to the community that being a Chamber Volunteer offers. With his very busy personal and professional life, he feels it is easy to get wrapped up in his own little world. However, the Chamber is a great way to see how other businesses and professionals in the community are operating. The committees and staff at the Chamber are loaded with very talented and dynamic people who inspire him to be a better person. He also enjoys knowing that he is part of a group that is making the Wausau area a better place to live and do business.

Volunteer Spotlight

Kristina LaPorte

Don Bohlin

Meet Kristina LaPorte

Kristina has been with Cellcom since 2006 and thinks it is a fantastic company to work for because they are family, community and employee-oriented. Christina feels it makes her job as a Business Sales Consultant even better since she believes in the product and the company. Kristina has an eight year old daughter that is the center of her life. She also has an amazing “bonus family” that she adores.

Having been a Chamber Ambassador since 2007, Christina enjoys meeting people and showing them what the Chamber has to offer and how each business can get involved. The Chamber has such a diverse line-up—there is something for everyone.

www.wausauchamber.com

Page 12: Chamber connection april 2014

Backsmith Advanced Physical TherapyDr. L. Voigt Smith, DPT, OCS, CredMDT3409 Schofield Ave Suite EWeston, WI 54476(715) 298-5888www.backsmithadvancedphysicaltherapy.com

Bubrick’s Complete OfficeJoel Bessey5906 Hilgemann Street Unit BWeston, WI 54476(715) 572-6530www.bubricks.com

EcolabRandy O’Brien2395 Burton AveKronenwetter , WI 54455(715) 571-9688www.ecolab.com

EmbroidMe - WausauBecky Besaw607 S 24th Ave Ste 12Wausau, WI 54401(715) 843-0707www.embroidme-wausau.com

Magic & Memories Travel CompanyJennifer Roche614 N 3rd Ave Ste AWausau, WI 54401(877) 717-0706www.makemagicmemories.com

Perspektive Media Group LLCMatthew Bargander408 3rd St Ste 305

Wausau, WI 54403(715) 254-9090www.perspektivemg.com

Team National - Will Traber & Jodi PetersonWilliam Traber5415 Cherry StWeston, WI 54476(262) 914-5465www.saveandearnmore.com

The Radon Man of WisconsinTom DeSautel605 Grand AveRothschild, WI 54474(715) 581-4446www.theradonmanofwi.com

Wausau Community TheatreJanet Koss136 Summer StSchofield, WI 54476(715) 359-3972www.wausaucommunitytheatre.org

Wausau IT LLCJustan T. Brandt309 S 2nd Ave Ste 235Wausau, WI 54401(715) 203-1106www.wausauit.com

Wons Background Investigations LLCJim Schwartz5639 Executive CircleLittle Suamico, WI 54141(920) 826-2335www.wonsbackgroundchecks.com

www.wausauchamber.com

New Members

Please Help Us Welcome These New Members

Page 13: Chamber connection april 2014

Ribbon Cuttings/Ground BreakingsAn excellent way to promote your business when you:

Break ground on a new facility - Move to a new location - Remodel your existing facility

Contact the Chamber at 715-845-6231 to schedule your event.

Koo Coos Nest Comedy Club320 Ross Ave, Schofield 715-432-2935

Ribbon Cuttings

www.wausauchamber.com

Sugar ‘n Spice Cheesecakes LLC 419 Frenzel St, Wausau715-574-6811

Nicolet National Bank - Wausau 2100 Stewart Ave Suite 100, Wausau715-845-8680

Stoney River Assisted Living 7805 Birch St, Weston 715-570-7024

Page 14: Chamber connection april 2014

WHAT CAN I DO? April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Most of you know that jeans worn at work are typically worn on Casual Friday or for special charity events. In most businesses under the dress code, jeans are not permitted, unless you have an exemption.

On Wednesday, April 23, we invite you to come to work in jeans to observe Denim Day in support of survivors.

For more information, contact Jessica at The Women's Community, 715-842-5663.

Page 15: Chamber connection april 2014

Please Join us for a

Community Conversation for Business

This is a special opportunity to hear from a national business strategist about our TOP Call to Action from our County’s LIFE Report

Did you know the economy will face a shortage of 5 million workers with the necessary education and training by 2020? Find out how that issue relates to our community’s Top Long Term Call to Action from the LIFE report, and why the local United Way and Chamber organizations have joined together to promote this conversation about the critical importance of early childhood education.

We are excited to bring you this event featuring:

A national speaker presenting facts and data about the importance of business support for early childhood education and why the US Chamber of Commerce is behind this call to action.

What local resources are available and how our community is responding Your involvement in a discussion about what you can do to help prepare our

community’s children for success

Featured Presenter: Bill Millett of Scope View Strategic Advantage in Charlotte, NC

Tuesday, April 29, 2014 7:30 am to 8:45 am (Check in and continental breakfast at 7:15 am) Howard Johnson

Space is limited. Registration is FREE and required.

Register now at this link: http://conversation2014.eventbrite.com

For more information contact United Way of Marathon County at 848-2927.


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