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Chamber Connection November 2014

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Chamber Connection November 2014
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November 2014 Often, I’m out visiting and networking with our members about how their respective business is doing, what business challenges keep them up at night, and what kinds of things the Chamber can do to help them be successful. People who know me know that I live, eat, sleep, and breathe all things business, so for me, I ask these questions because it’s not only my job, it’s my passion. Our marketing campaign for the year is “Elevating Your Success. It’s in Our DNA”. The concept revolves around the fact that the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce exists for the success of your business. Our goal is to support member growth, celebrate member success, encourage collaboration among businesses, and evolve to meet your needs. As we evolve to meet your needs, we are continually modifying and creating tools for business growth and opportunities to connect with other professionals. Our goal is to expand your customer base, increase visibility for your company, provide business advocacy support to improve the legislative and regulatory environment, and enhance your overall professional credibility. Elevating Your Success Aaron Kapellusch By Aaron Kapellusch, President In this issue . . . Member News Featured Member Business Advocacy Ambassador of the Month Volunteer Spotlight New Members Ribbon Cuttings We are continually adding new benefits to increase our value to your organization. During 2014, we strived to provide more value to your Chamber membership. We added opportunities such as: The Authentic Salesperson Course™ - relationship-based sales training in partnership with NTC Business Break - lunchtime program providing direct access to government Chamber ROI - learn from Chamber staff how to optimize your member benefits Coffee Talk - morning program about regional issues in government and business E 3 Young Professionals (E 3 YP) - workforce development initiative - e3yp.org Servant Leadership - nurturing leaders while earning Viterbo University certification WAKE UP Wausau Region - monthly networking with professionals and community leaders In the next week, we will be sending our annual membership survey. We want to hear from you about what we can do to improve and become the optimal resource for your business success. When you receive the survey, please take the time to provide your input so we can continue to grow together. Your feedback is critical to the success of our organization, the businesses you contribute to, and our community at large. www.wausauchamber.com
Transcript
Page 1: Chamber Connection November 2014

November 2014

Often, I’m out visiting and networking with our members about how their respective business is doing, what business challenges keep them up at night, and what kinds of things the Chamber can do to help them be successful. People who know me know that I live, eat, sleep, and breathe all things business, so for me, I ask these questions because it’s not only my job, it’s my passion. Our marketing campaign for the year is “Elevating Your Success. It’s in Our DNA”. The concept revolves around the fact that the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce exists for the success of your business. Our goal is to support member growth, celebrate member success, encourage collaboration among businesses, and evolve to meet your needs.

As we evolve to meet your needs, we are continually modifying and creating tools for business growth and opportunities to connect with other professionals. Our goal is to expand your customer base, increase visibility for your company, provide business advocacy support to improve the legislative and regulatory environment, and enhance your overall professional credibility.

Elevating Your Success

Aaron Kapellusch

By Aaron Kapellusch, President

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

We are continually adding new benefits to increase our value to your organization. During 2014, we strived to provide more value to your Chamber membership. We added opportunities such as:

• The Authentic Salesperson Course™ - relationship-based sales training in partnership with NTC

• Business Break - lunchtime program providing direct access to government

• Chamber ROI - learn from Chamber staff how to optimize your member benefits

• Coffee Talk - morning program about regional issues in government and business

• E3 Young Professionals (E3YP) - workforce development initiative - e3yp.org

• Servant Leadership - nurturing leaders while earning Viterbo University certification

• WAKE UP Wausau Region - monthly networking with professionals and community leaders

In the next week, we will be sending our annual membership survey. We want to hear from you about what we can do to improve and become the optimal resource for your business success. When you receive the survey, please take the time to provide your input so we can continue to grow together. Your feedback is critical to the success of our organization, the businesses you contribute to, and our community at large.

www.wausauchamber.com

Page 2: Chamber Connection November 2014

Thursday, April 23

11 am to 5 pm

Central Wisconsin Convention + EXPO Center, Rothschild

Reserve Your Booth Today!

Register at wausauchamber.com for online savings.

Questions? Call 715-845-6231

MakingConnections

GrowingBusiness

Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce

Elevating Your Success. It’s in Our DNA.

Success is . . .• Supporting member growth

• Celebrating member success

• Encouraging collaboration among businesses

• Evolving to meet the community’s needs

• Being the indispensable source for connections, opportunities, and solutions

wausauchamber.com

Presented by E3YP and United Way Emerging LeadersSAVE THE DATEFriday, December 127:30-11:00 pmWausau Elks Lodge

Jingle & Mingle Holiday Party

Page 3: Chamber Connection November 2014

Member News

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AbbyBank recently received the WBA Bankers Promoting Financial Literacy Award for their work promoting sound financial habits in their communities. AbbyBank conducts presentations in schools for career fairs, Junior Achievement, personal finance classes, and day cares. In addition, the bank continues to support the Get Smart Wausau Coalition, Asset Builders of Wisconsin and the Financial Wellness Conference with not only time and talent, but also monetary donations. The past several years, AbbyBank has been supporting Abbotsford, Wausau East and Wausau West High Schools with the EverFi financial literacy computer program to assist the personal finance class.

Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services (ACCHS) is a national partner of We Honor Veterans and recently received Partner Level Four status. According to the We Honor Veterans program, nearly a quarter of all Americans who die each year are veterans. Developed by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the program is designed to empower hospice professionals to meet the unique needs of dying veterans. Level Four status is the highest partner level a hospice program can achieve.

Becher-Hoppe Associates, Inc. hosted a 60th Anniversary celebration on September 25. Clients, associates, and employees gathered to enjoy a pig roast dinner and recognition program at the Rothschild Pavilion. Since 1954, Becher-Hoppe has consistently focused on client projects that contribute to community enhancement. Co-owners Archie C. Becher and Randy Van Natta credit the firm’s success to its team of 40 professionals who use their extraordinary talent and community leadership to take ideas from concept to tangible projects. Becher Hoppe is a firm of consulting

engineers, architects, surveyors, and real estate specialists providing quality professional services to government, business, and individuals.

Sandee Schafer of Buska Retirement Solutions, Inc. has recently been promoted to Life and Health Insurance Consultant. She has taken this position over from Tammy Sielaff, who has decided to pursue other ventures outside of the firm. Sandee will answer questions related to life insurance, individual health insurance. This includes the Federally Facilitated Marketplace (health insurance exchange), long-term care insurance, Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage plans as well as funeral trusts.

Steve Schultz of Clark Dietz, Inc. received the American Water Works Association Silver Water Drop Award in honor of his 30 years of cumulative membership with the Association. He accepted the award at the Wisconsin Water Association’s 2014 Annual Meeting and Expo recently held in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Mr. Schultz is an accomplished engineer specializing in design and operations of municipal water supply systems, with over 35 years of experience. His contributions to the industry include working on the Submersible Vertical Turbine Pumps Committee for AWWA and gaining approval for the first Great Lakes water diversion to the City of New Berlin, Wisconsin. In addition, Mr. Schultz has worked with the WWA’s Water for the World, a non-profit group dedicated to bringing clean water to third world countries.

The Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin is the beneficiary of a $1 million gift from George Wolff, forming the George D. & Estelle B. Wolff Family Fund, a donor advised fund. Mrs. Wolff passed away on January 22, 2014. “Charity begins at home, and Wausau has been our home,” said Mr. Wolff. “There are many things going on here in which

Page 4: Chamber Connection November 2014

Member News

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we have been involved and supported, and many more may need some help over time. I’d like to do that for this community.” Mr. Wolff, who formed Mid-Wisconsin Beverage (Pepsi) in 1961, is a long-time community philanthropist known for his generosity and sense of humor. He will participate fully in recommending grants from the fund over time. Dunkin Donuts Weston and Dunkin Donuts Rib Mountain will be celebrating their successful store openings with Chamber Ribbon Cuttings on November 11th. There will be fun things for the community to see, do, and taste! Dunkin Donuts Rib Mountain will be partnering with Ski’s Meat Market Wausau for their joint ribbon cutting event at 2:00 pm and Dunkin Donuts Weston will host their ceremony at 3:30 pm. See you there!

EO Johnson Business Technologies is pleased to announce its acquisition of SPIN Business Group of Wausau. EO Johnson is an industry-leading business technology company providing print/document solutions, managed IT services, and office drinking water systems. SPIN Business Group provides document scanning/imaging services and document management software solutions. EO Johnson’s Back File Scanning division will incorporate SPIN. “We are thrilled to welcome SPIN to our business family,” said Mary Jo Johnson, CEO/Owner – EO Johnson Business Technologies.

Mark Weiler has accepted the position of Managed Print Service Project Coordinator and joined EO Johnson’s Managed Print Services (MPS) team. Mark joined the company in 2001 and was most recently a Service Supervisor. Also joining the MPS team is Samantha Race. She has been promoted to Managed Print Services Analyst. Samantha joined the company in 2013 and was most recently on the Customer Care Team. Joe Bargender has been promoted to Support Center Field Manager. Joe joined the company in 1991 and was most recently a Network Field Technician for EO Johnson’s Locknet® Managed IT Services. Ellis Stone Construction Company president Jim Anderson was recognized by the UWSP Alumni Association with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Anderson is a 1989 graduate and has remained involved with UWSP through the Alumni Association, Foundation Board, and associate lecturer in the Department of Business and Economics. His commitment to the area has been exhibited through his involvement with many boards and civic organizations promoting businesses and improving lives of area citizens.

Lada Xiong-Vang recently joined Environments, a division of The Samuels Group, as a Business Development Manager in the Wausau office. Lada will focus on assisting commercial facilities create their perfect work environment through consultation,

Page 5: Chamber Connection November 2014

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Member News

space planning, interior design, and furnishings. Lada previously worked for Ethan Allen and brings more than seven years of design and sales experience to the Environments team.

Greenheck recently held a ground breaking ceremony for the Robert C. Greenheck Innovation Center to officially commemorate this milestone and new direction in the company’s future. Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy, and various local dignitaries were in attendance as well as Greenheck’s board of directors and executive management team. The center will feature state-of-the-art sound and psychrometric labs, product prototyping, space for developing and fine-tuning manufacturing processes, office space to support our employee growth through this decade, and additional meeting and training space.

The Marathon County Historical Society has been awarded the prestigious Wisconsin Historical Society 2014 Museum Exhibit Award for its core exhibit Our Stories: The History of Marathon County. The presentation will be by Wisconsin Historical Society’s Ellsworth H. Brown, The Ruth and Hartley Baker Director. This award is presented to the organization that created an exhibit that met all award criteria and made the most valuable contribution to public understanding of Wisconsin’s past during the preceding calendar year.

Two nationally-recognized Marshfield Clinic researchers will be awarded the 27th Gwen D. Sebold Fellowship for Outstanding Research. Both geneticist and Senior Research Scientist Murray Brilliant and Dr. Adedayo Onitilo, a hematologist/oncologist who practices at Marshfield Clinic Weston Center and Marshfield Clinic Cancer Care at Ministry/Saint Michael’s Hospital, Stevens Point, will be honored on Wednesday, November 12. The program is in the Froehlke Auditorium, Melvin R.

Laird Center, at the Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield. Recipients will receive $5,000 and a memorial plaque presented by D. David “Dewey” Sebold in memory of his sister, Gwen. Gwen grew up in Dorchester and joined Marshfield Clinic as a medical stenographer in 1955. She died of cancer in July 1974.

Jeremy J. Reif, CRPS®, recently received his Chartered Retirement Planning SpecialistSM (CRPS®) designation through the College for Financial Planning®. The designation focuses on the design, installation, maintenance and administration of retirement plans. Jeremy is a Business Specialist at Midwest Professional Planners, Ltd. (“MPPL”), an SEC registered investment advisory firm filed in the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Texas and Florida. Jeremy joined MPPL in 2004 and is a shareholder, Sales Department Head, and serves on their Investment Committee.

Jere Smith, CFP®, CLU® recently joined Midwest Professional Planning, Ltd., (“MPPL”), an SEC registered investment advisory firm filed in the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, and Florida. He has over six years of experience in the financial services industry and functions at MPPL as a Certified Financial Planner™ professional. He is a licensed Investment Advisor Representative and is a member of MPPL Financial. Jere also serves as the President on the Board of Directors for The Friends of the Mead/McMillan Association, Inc. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Forestry from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point.

Scott M. Wallschlaeger, CFP®, CRPS® received two professional designations relative to his practice with Midwest Professional Planners, Ltd. (“MPPL”), an SEC registered investment advisory firm filed in the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Texas and Florida. He received his Certified Financial Planner™ certification from the College for Financial Planning®. The certification identifies individuals

Page 6: Chamber Connection November 2014

Member News

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who have met rigorous professional standards and have agreed to adhere to the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism, and diligence when dealing with clients. He also received his Chartered Retirement Planning SpecialistSM (CRPS®) designation.

Kyle K. Dickinson was promoted to Investment Advisor Representative of Midwest Professional Planners, Ltd. (“MPPL”), an SEC registered investment advisory firm filed in the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Texas and Florida. Kyle joined the MPPL team in 2013 as an Advisor Assistant and recently acquired his FINRA Series 65 license, making him eligible for registration with MPPL. He administers and coordinates the overall functions of the Duluth area MPPL office and works with individuals and families to help

establish successful financial plans for retirement and investment programs.

Scott Wallschlaeger, CFP®, CRPS® was promoted to President at Midwest Professional Planners, Ltd. (“MPPL”), an SEC registered investment advisory firm filed in the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Texas and Florida. Scott develops and drives strategic initiatives to provide the best possible service to MPPL’s clients, grow assets under management, and make the business more efficient. He also recruits, trains and supports new and existing advisors who focus on fee-based asset management, fee-based financial planning and business retirement plans. Scott joined MPPL in 2000 and previously served as Vice President and the Field Operations Manager. He is a shareholder, director, and also serves on the Investment Committee.

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 business 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. Here are some sug-gestions for content:• Business Start Date• Brief overview of your business• Explain how you have worked with other

Chamber members• 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 additional exposure for your business!

FREE Business Exposure Opportunity - We Want to Hear from You!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 News and social media sites.

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

Page 7: Chamber Connection November 2014

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Member News

The Board of Directors of Ministry Saint Clare’s Hospital recently welcomed four new members to its ranks. Janet Klosinski, Ph.D., and Tom Rau of Wausau; Dave Kallstrom of Mosinee and Robyn Schertz, MD, of Tomahawk are the newest members of the twelve member board. The Ministry Board of Directors provides oversight and guidance to the leadership of Ministry Saint Clare’s Hospital in Weston. Klosinski is President of Newman Catholic Schools, Wausau. Rau is Executive Director of The Neighbors Place, Wausau. Kallstrom is president of international and ventilation solutions at Greenheck Fan, Schofield. Schertz is Medical Director of Emergency Services at Ministry Good Samaritan Health Center, Merrill.

Ministry Health Care is working closely with Ascension Health, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and

other federal, state and local partners to increase associates’ understanding of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) and to prepare for any type of infectious outbreak, including, but not limited to, Ebola, Mers-CoV, CRE, Enterovirus and Dengue. The Ministry team is prepared to address a possible outbreak or exposure from affected travelers or others who may have come into contact with EVD.

Ruder Ware is pleased to announce the appointment of Attorney Kevin J.T. Terry to the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin School Attorneys Association (WSAA) effective October 3, 2014. He will serve a four-year term. Kevin has concentrated his practice on working with employers in both the public and private sectors. As legal counsel for many school districts in northern and central Wisconsin, he works directly with school boards on issues such as open meetings and public records law. Additionally, Kevin advises school boards and administrators on labor

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Page 8: Chamber Connection November 2014

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and employment concerns, student expulsions, and other matters affecting Wisconsin schools in the post-Act 10 world.

Schenck will be hosting a free 90-minute Business Improvement Workshop on November 18 entitled “2014 Year End Tax Planning.” Attendees will learn about tax changes for 2014 and 2015 and get help with planning opportunities to help reduce their tax liability. This seminar focuses on the tax issues of both large and small businesses and their owners. Anyone interested in learning how to reduce taxes for businesses and their owners should attend, especially business owners and their top internal accounting personnel. There is no cost to attend. To register, visit www.schencksc.com/2014taxplanning or call Kathy at 715-675-2351.

Unitel is proud to announce the hiring of Haley Fehrenbach as a Customer Service Representative and Marketing Assistant. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, she has over six years of customer service experience. Haley comes to Unitel from Crandon, Wisconsin.

Wausau area residents D.J. (Joe), and Mary Clare Freeman are the recipients of the 2014 Wisconsin Idea Award from the University of Wisconsin Colleges and the University of Wisconsin-Extension. UW Colleges and UW-Extension Interim Chancellor Aaron Brower presented the award at the institutions’ Chancellor’s Awards Event and Reception in September. The annual Chancellor’s Awards recognize UW Colleges and UW-Extension partners, supporters and employees for their outstanding contributions to the quality of life in Wisconsin. Wausau Engineering and Global Leadership Academy, a Wausau School District charter school, received a $125,000 dissemination grant from

the Department of Public Instruction. EGL staff members and the school governance board will use the funds to host school visits, present their best practices and lessons learned at conferences, as well as participate in a summer symposium next June.

Three elementary schools in the Wausau School District have been named Wisconsin Title I Schools of Recognition by the Department of Public Instruction. Hawthorn Hills, Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson were among 173 Wisconsin schools to receive this award. This is the sixth consecutive year Thomas Jefferson has been recognized, the third year for Hawthorn Hills, and the first for Lincoln. These three schools were recognized for “beating the odds” as they are in the top 25 percent of high-poverty schools in the state and have above-average student achievement in reading and mathematics when compared to schools from similarly sized districts, schools, grade configurations, and poverty levels.

Wausau School District’s Horace Mann Middle School physical education teacher Ken Smith has been named the 2014 Wisconsin Health & Physical Education (WHPE) Middle School Teacher of the Year. Smith received the Teaching Honor Award during the WHPE Convention on October 29-30 in the Wisconsin Dells. The Teaching Honor Award is given for outstanding teaching, conducting quality physical education programming as reflected by standards and guidelines, utilizing various teaching methodologies, and serving as a positive role model for the health, physical education, recreation and dance profession in addition to participating in professional development opportunities and providing professional leadership through presentations, leadership, or writing.

Wausau School District’s West High School French teacher Kara Torkelson received the 2014 Wisconsin Association of Foreign Language Teachers (WAFLT) Recognition of Merit Award at the WAFLT Fall

Member News

Page 9: Chamber Connection November 2014

Conference. The Recognition of Merit Award is presented annually to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in teaching or who have made significant contributions to the language teaching profession. Torkelson earned the award for her commitment to all students’ success and her dedication to the French teaching profession by participating with students in the Concourse Oral (French speaking competition), advising student travel trips to Canada and France, organizing French Immersion Days for students in Madison, and for bringing French culture to the community through her support of the University of Wisconsin-Marathon County Cultural Festival.

Wausau School Districts’ EGL Academy ranked 34th in Newsweek’s 2014 America’s Top High Schools that ranks the nation’s top 500 high schools.Wausau School District’s John Muir Middle School received the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s Bronze Wisconsin Health Award for the school’s commitment to providing students with the knowledge and skills to make healthy decisions that will contribute to their academic success.

www.wausauchamber.com

Member News

BE IN THE KNOW WITH WISCONSIN CENTRAL TIME

Marathon County leadership brings you the Wisconsin Central Time newsletter, a means to communicate what

Marathon County Government is doing to make the county a great place to work, play, and live. The goal is to ensure Marathon

County remains transparent and accountable to taxpayers.

Each quarter, we will bring you timely information about the issues being discussed and the goals being achieved by

Marathon County Government.

Check out the Latest Issue and Sign up Today.

Ordering is Easy

Pre-order your gift certificates by calling the Chamber at 715-845-6231 to have ready for pickup from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday.

Complete details at wausauchamber.com.

Order Today!200 Washington Street, Suite 120, Wausau n 715-845-6231

Give People What They Really Want for the Holidays

Chamber Gift Certificates make your holiday shopping easy and offer recipients the ability to purchase exactly

what they want. Celebrate your holiday or special occasion and support local businesses at the same time!

Page 10: Chamber Connection November 2014

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Featured Member

The Behavioral Health Clinic (BHC) of Wausau provides comprehensive mental health services in a caring and professional setting. They are in a convenient area for the residents of Central Wisconsin. BHC of Wausau has well-trained and highly experienced psychologists, licensed professional counselors and a licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner. The clinicians at BHC of Wausau work together in a multidisciplinary team approach in order to provide the highest quality of care possible. In addition, the providers in the practice collaborate with professionals in the community whenever appropriate.

BHC of Wausau clinicians participate in various insurance plans, and office staff will assist patients seeking reimbursement from their health insurance companies. At BHC of Wausau, they understand the challenges of coping with mental illness. They strive to provide the highest quality of care in a warm, friendly, and accessible setting. BHC of Wausau provides professional mental health services to children and adults. BHC of Wausau is committed to being good neighbors and contributing members of the Wausau community. They know that working together creates a stronger, healthier community.

Many people that struggle with mental health issues do not get adequate treatment because their symptoms need to be better diagnosed. Behavioral Health Clinic of Wausau is working to reduce that barrier. They have created their Accelerated Comprehensive Evaluations (ACE) where patients are fully evaluated and given same-day written feedback for issues such as ADHD, memory concerns or depression/anxiety. ACE clinics are at both their Wausau and Marshfield offices. In addition to their same-day ACE clinics, they offer these same services, such as psychological testing and

medication management, at individually-scheduled appointments that meet your schedule needs in the evenings and certain Saturdays. Behavioral Health Clinic of Wausau also offers pre-surgical psychological evaluations for patients undergoing operations such as the spinal cord stimulator for chronic pain. Clinicians available for the ACE clinic, psychological testing and medication management are: Shannon Schaefer, Ph.D., David Pelo, Ph.D., Katherine Wright, Ph.D., Asal Azizi, Psy.D., and Mary Forslund, APNP.

BHC of Wausau is also working on reducing barriers to anyone receiving mental health services in a timely manner. New patients can get an appointment within a week or two of their initial phone call. In certain crisis situations, they may be able to offer an appointment within 24-48 hours.

Behavioral Health Clinic of Wausau is also very excited about their recent move. Their new clinic is at 3600 Stewart Avenue. This move has allowed them to expand their space in order to provide their various services to more members of this community. The new location maintains their efforts to offer a professional, safe, and private environment to their clients.

Behavioral Health Clinic of Wausau is collaborating with the area’s primary care providers (i.e. – medical doctors and nurse practitioners), as well as school counselors and social workers. They do this by maintaining regular contact with other providers to ensure comprehensive care for patients. BHC of Wausau is very willing to collaborate with additional community providers and businesses.

BHC of Wausau - A Strong Community CollaboratesSubmitted by the Behavioral Health Clinic (BHC) of Wausau

Page 11: Chamber Connection November 2014

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Business Advocacy

When you hear the words “business advocacy,” what comes to mind? If you are like many people, these words elicit an interesting reaction – usually a combination of confusion, fear, and awe. Throw in the term “Government Affairs” and I often lose my audience completely (and if I haven’t lost them yet, I usually end up recruiting them for the Business Advocacy Committee). For many, the term “advocacy” conjures up an image of angry men and women stomping their feet, pounding their fists and demanding that legislators give them what they want – or else! However, real advocacy requires none of these things in order to be effective. In this article, I’m going to address some of the confusion regarding the term “advocacy” and help you see why it is such a critical component of an effective Chamber of Commerce.

Advocacy is simply “the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal.” We all believe in certain causes and support issues that are important to us. Perhaps you donate money to local sports programs or actively recruit volunteers to keep Scouts going strong. If you have ever gone beyond these more passive steps to request action in order to support or protect a cause you believe in, you have been an advocate. Writing a letter to your school board asking them to save your kids’ favorite program is advocacy. Meeting with your councilperson to explain why they need to support a proposal for animal control is advocacy. Whenever you take an action to persuade someone to support your point of view, you are an advocate.

The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce (WRCC) focuses exclusively on business advocacy. If an issue appears to have some influence on business, we determine if there is any specific action we can

take to help influence the outcome to be the best for business. In 2014, WRCC advocated for multiple causes deemed important to business success in the region. We sent statements of support for an aviation sales and use tax exemption to benefit Wisconsin airports. We also joined a letter-writing campaign to keep technical college control at the local level. We are currently analyzing issues such as the EPA’s “Clean Power Plan” proposal and prospective changes to worker’s compensation to determine if they meet our criteria for requiring active advocacy. If not, we will simply “inform and educate” (the two other components of WRCC Business Advocacy).

These advocacy actions were based on the WRCC’s 2014 Legislative Agenda. This agenda is the official document dictating the types of government-related issues the WRCC will invest time and resources into supporting on behalf of their member businesses every year. Currently, the Business Advocacy Committee is busy developing the 2015 Legislative Agenda, which will provide guidance as

Advocacy - Make Your Business Roar!By Sara Guild, Government Affairs Director

A panel of Legislators answer questions during the 2014 Small Business Week Legislators Forum.

(continued)

Page 12: Chamber Connection November 2014

Business Advocacy

different issues surface throughout the next year. Planning ahead ensures we stay on track with our advocacy initiatives and remain focused on the issues deemed most important to business in the Wausau region by the WRCC Board on behalf of our members.

Advocacy is a critically important component of your WRCC membership. When you have concerns that government policies are holding up your business, let us know. Through active advocacy, we can amplify your voice from the hum of a single business to the roar of almost 1,000 businesses - a sound much harder for your elected officials to ignore. We know red tape is everywhere. It can either hold a business together or tie it up in knots. If you have an issue that is tying up your industry, let us help. We will assess it and

determine how to best take action. WRCC business advocacy is a powerful tool, and we are here to make our members roar!

Governor Scott Walker address attendees of the 2014 Small Business Week Legislators Forum.

www.wausauchamber.com

Page 13: Chamber Connection November 2014

The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Tillisch is the November 2014 Ambassador of the Month.

Elizabeth says her favorite part about being an Ambassador is sharing all of the attributes of the Chamber and the Wausau region with other business professionals. “Making people aware of Chamber benefits is eye-opening for the person with whom I’m meeting. I love to be involved with a great group of Ambassadors and Chamber staff. They keep me young!” Elizabeth is also mentoring one of this year’s new Ambassadors, sharing her love and knowledge of all things Chamber.

For almost 27 years, Elizabeth has been diligently serving the Chamber membership as an Ambassador. Described as the “Name Tag Police,” Elizabeth makes sure everyone she meets is wearing their name tag on the correct side. (For the record: Your name tag goes on the right side of your shirt or jacket, which is where most people naturally look when shaking your hand. You’re welcome.)

Elizabeth took a new business step this past summer and launched her company, Ms. Liz Naturals. Elizabeth’s business involves natural products, something she has enjoyed for more than 40 years. From skin care and beauty-enhancing to wellness and household - natural products are the key to her success. She provides individual, group, and business consultations with the goal of improving everyone’s health and well-being. Her personal accessory line

is on track to launch in the near future.

Renowned in the community for her smile and bubbly personality, Elizabeth shares her happiness and her time with several area groups. She serves on the Athens High School Class Reunions Committee that puts together the reunions for the school. Elizabeth also devotes a lot of her time as a Mission Person for St. Vincent de Paul in

Wausau, making team house calls on those in need in the community.

To further support this important community mission work, Elizabeth took a cue from another church in Indiana and launched the Smart Chicks & Old Bags fundraiser for St. Vincent de Paul. The community-at-large donates gently-used purses, scarves, jewelry, and hats to the event and eager new owners scoop up the goodies for a deal! Saturday, March 7, 2015 will mark their 3rd Annual “mashtini” luncheon and fundraising event. The community is already buzzing with excitement! Elizabeth proudly talks about the many other volunteers it takes to help make this fundraiser a success: her co-leaders, decorators, event volunteers, Catholic Financial Insurance, and DJ Bob Holl – to name a few.

Elizabeth is a proud mother of five and grandmother of eleven and welcomed her first great-grandchild, Aaron, in October. She lives in Wausau.

Congratulations, Elizabeth, and thank you for your continued work with our members!

Elizabeth Tillisch

Ambassador of the Month

www.wausauchamber.com

Page 14: Chamber Connection November 2014

Brian Hoover was born and raised in Wausau. He and his wife Tricia are proud to be raising their two young children in this wonderful community. His career started at Wipfli as a staff accountant in September of 2006, after completing an internship with the firm. During the fall of 2009, he was promoted to senior accountant where he took on an expanded leadership role with several of their large manufacturing and distribution audit clients. He says that having the opportunity to work with so many successful regional businesses, getting familiar with their product/service offerings, and building meaningful relationships with their employees has been extremely rewarding. In July of 2014, he accepted a position at Greenheck Fan Corporation as a senior financial analyst within human resources.

Brian has been a Chamber Volunteer since January 2014. He has always had a sense of community pride, which is why he never wanted to leave the Wausau region. Solid leadership at Wipfli helped him further develop the feeling of community pride, including connecting him with Family Counseling Services, a local non-profit counseling organization in January of 2011. He served as treasurer/secretary on their board of directors until February of 2013, when the organization merged with Peaceful Solutions Counseling, another non-profit counseling organization in Wausau. After the merger, he remained on the new Peaceful Solutions board and currently serves as board president. In January of 2014, he became part of the Chamber’s steering committee that helped launch E3YP (Engage, Empower, Excite). This young professionals organization was initiated by the Wausau Region Chamber to help attract and retain talented young

people to the community.

Brian currently serves as president of E3YP. In this role, he enjoys working with all of the talented young professionals and business leaders within the community. Because of the dedication and immense talent of the action team members, including the leadership within E3YP, they continue to build a strong and dedicated membership.

Given that the organization didn’t launch until September of 2014, E3YP is already considered by many to be an overwhelming success. Brian and the rest of the E3YP group are looking forward to offering exciting new experiences to members in an effort to engage them in the community. This is what Brian enjoys the most about being a Chamber volunteer – connecting people with others and promoting everything the region has to offer.

Brian Hoover

Volunteer Spotlight

www.wausauchamber.com

Page 15: Chamber Connection November 2014

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SWITCHyour wireless service to

350$ per line activated

Built For YouTM

to buy out your current wireless contract

and get up to

Offer valid 10/15/14 - 11/25/14 or while supplies last. Activation at time of service, two-year service agreement and credit approval required. Prices do not include taxes, fees or other charges. Universal Service Fund (USF) and regulatory and other recovery fees charged on all service lines. An E911 fee or Police & Fire Protection Fee is charged on all service lines. Taxes, fees and surcharges vary and are subject to change without notice. See retail location or www.cellcom.com/fees for details. Promotion offer subject to change. Switch & Get Up to $350 Offer: Available to new Cellcom business accounts without any existing Cellcom services. Must port in number to Cellcom. Accounts requiring a credit deposit are not eligible. Cannot be combined with other offers. Up to $350 will be applied as a service credit to the line of service, valid on up to 25 business lines. Not redeemable for cash. To apply for your credits, you must submit a reimbursement form along with a copy of your last wireless bill from your previous wireless carrier that includes the charge for the early termination fee. Customer’s account must remain current and active in order to receive credit. Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing. Visit cellcom.com/save for complete details. 30 Day Guarantee: If within 30 days you are not completely satisfied with Cellcom’s wireless service, pay for the services you have used and return the equipment in acceptable condition. Other restrictions apply. See store for details. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Trademarks and tradenames are the property of their respective owners.

1.800.236.0055 www.cellcom.com Any Retail Locationfacebook.com/cellcom

Cellcom is the Preferred Wireless Provider of the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce.

Page 16: Chamber Connection November 2014

An excellent way to promote your business when you break ground on a new facility, move to a new location, or remodel your existing facility. Contact Heather Martell at the Chamber

to schedule your event at 715-848-5951 or [email protected].

New MembersPlease Help Us Welcome Our Newest Chamber MemberWells Fargo AdvisorsTim Bodette2620 Stewart Ave Ste 116Wausau, WI 54401715-849-9898

Ribbon Cuttings/Ground Breakings

Wisconsin Financial Wealth Management300 N 3rd St Ste 302, Wausau

715-803-4008

RE/MAX Excel1050 Grand Ave, Schofield

715-849-5544

(continued)

Woodson YMCA707 3rd St, Wausau

715-845-2177

If you would like information on the benefits of joining the Chamber please contact Heather Martell at [email protected] or 715-848-5951.

Page 17: Chamber Connection November 2014

www.wausauchamber.com

Ribbon Cuttings/Ground Breakings

Stable Hands Inc3501 Swan Ave, Wausau

715-359-6046

Cornerstone Information Technology501 S 24th Ave Ste 100, Wausau

715-203-1332

Peoples State Bank - Rib Mountain2904 Rib Mountain Dr, Wausau

715-842-1456

Customize It C-316 Wausau Ctr, Wausau

715-393-4449

Behavioral Health Clinic of Wausau3600 Stewart Ave Ste B, Wausau

715-842-9500

Ridgestone Bank300 N 3rd St Ste 302, Wausau

715-297-3765


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