February 2013 by New North B2B

Growing into family business

Paving the way for the youngest generation to become an involved leader

Why Leadership Sucks

From the Bookshelf

Mobile Workforce

Technology

February 2013 $3.95

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 66 OSHKOSH, WI

Bank changes giving you a negative impression? Make a

POSITIVE CHANGE. When your business bank changes your account numbers and the people serving you, then moves local decision making hundreds of miles from Wisconsin, entrusting it to people who know nothing about you or your business, you’re not working with the bank you chose in the first place. If you’ve got to deal with change, why not make a change for the better? First Business offers the services and resources of a large bank, but with decision making and a board of directors right here in Wisconsin. We’ll make changing to First Business easy. Call us today to learn more.

(L-R) Mickey Noone, President Will Deppiesse, Vice President First Business Bank - Northeast

Y O U R S U C C E S S C O M E S F I R S T. Member FDIC

www.firstbusiness.com

Commercial Lending : Treasury Management : Equipment Finance : Asset-based Lending : Trust & Investments : Private Banking

Fox Cities: 920-734-1800 Oshkosh: 920-231-2400 Green Bay: 920-435-5442

www.newnorthb2b.com

new north b2b February 2013

24 18

Features

18 COVER STORY ❘ Growing Into Family Business ❘ Paving the way to involve the youngest generation

24 TECHNOLOGY ❘ On The Move ❘ Businesses taking more virtual approaches to managing staff and operations

28 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ❘ Igniting Opportunity ❘ Enhancing visibillity of community assets to attract jobs

Departments 5,

On our Cover

4 From the Publisher 35 Professionally Speaking 6 Since We Last Met 9 Guest Advice 10 Build Up Pages 16 Around the Boardroom 17 Pierce Stronglove 33 Guest Commentary 36 Who’s News 40 Business Calendar 41 Advertiser Index 42 Key Statistics

Making the youngest generation of a family-owned business aware of the heritage of the company. Photo illustration by New North B2B.

NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013 l 3

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Watering down thick regulatory soup

Review board report aims to thin state mandates on small business

Sean Fitzgerald New North B2B Publisher 4 l NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013

Those among us who own and have started businesses from the ground floor know the toils that accompany compliance with seemingly mundane government regulations. There’s a genuine concensus that many of those regulations were not made by small business owners at all, but created by bureaucrats and policy-wonks who’ve never written out a paycheck, recruited and hired a new employee, or even made a pot of coffee to share among office staff for that matter. When the government agency that signs your paycheck has fulltime staff to handle human resources, another department to manage finances, and a maintenance group to clean the bathrooms and fix unexpected clogs in the breakroom sink drain, you just don’t worry about anything other than bare bones job descriptions. That’s simply not reality for most small business owners, where having to challenge an unsubstantiated unemployment claim against the company could mean a few days out of the office and several hundred dollars in additional expenses and hours of time preparing for the hearing. That’s only one example. There is good news on efforts to make state government rules more amenable to small business owners. The state’s Small Business Regulatory Review Board – resurrected early last year by Gov. Scott Walker – has met six times during the past 12 months, listened to hours of agency testimony, and recently released a series of recommendations to streamline state regulations on small business, particularly those with two to 25 employees and under $5 million in annual revenue. Released about an hour prior to the governor’s State of the State Address back on Jan. 15 – and overshadowed by the speech as a result – the 48-page 2013 Wisconsin Regulatory Review Report marked a positive first step in easing various regulatory traps. The report highlights a number of onerous regulations that had the best of intentions for protecting Wisconsin residents, consumers and employees when written into law. But the rules didn’t always take into account the unnecessary burdens they placed on small business owners. Topping the list of concerns is the state’s process for unemployment insurance adjudications. The report noted a number of respondents to a statewide business owner survey found the process frustrating,

cumbersome, and often felt as if the deck were stacked against them heading into the proceeding. For some, the issue has been a barrier to job creation, as noted one unidentitfied dentist in the state who provided feedback to the review board: “DWD rules and regulations make me cautious about hiring new people. I have to realize that should that person not work out, I get penalized through unemployment fees. I need two more people, but I haven’t hired anybody for those positions in more than two years.” Among the ranks of the seven-member board is Steve Davis, owner of Ardy & Ed’s Drive-In in Oshkosh, who said the group’s task was to help determine what exactly is “too much regulation” on small business. “The whole idea is not to prevent there from being rules and regulations,” Davis told B2B a few weeks ago after the report was issued, “but to ensure that they’re not too burdensome for small business to handle.” Davis pointed out testimony he heard from a small contractor who argued building requirements calling for bracing support to withstand hurricanes isn’t necessary in Wisconsin, yet adds tens of thousands of dollars to the overall cost of a project. Or requirements for pharmacies to electronically maintain and report their inventory and prescriptions filled – a sound theory to help combat drug abuse – but a costly proposition adversely affecting most small, independent veterinarians, who often maintain their own pharmacopeia. The recommendations outlined in last month’s report are just the first step in potentially easing regulatory burdens for small business, Davis said. It’ll be up to the agencies themselves and the legislature to implement the recommendations, and the review board is slated to continue meeting in coming months to assess the impact of any regulatory adaptations that might be made. Ultimately - as the dentist noted - the state’s regulatory climate does impact hiring and job creation. From Davis’ perspective, it’s one of the primary reasons he’s offering his time and expertise to the review board. If it’s easier for the smallest of businesses to add one or two more employees to their payroll, the cummulative effect across the state could amount to hundreds of thousands of new jobs. www.newnorthb2b.com

PROFESSIONALLY SPEAKING

Medical disclosure breach of ADA? by Davis & Kuelthau, s.c. Tony Renning

920.232.4842

If you have a particular labor/employment law question, forward it to Mr. Renning at info@newnorthb2b.com. If he responds to your email in a future issue, your name and company will be withheld to preserve your privacy.

Reader Question: What liability, if any, may arise if I disclose information pertaining to a former employee’s medical condition during a reference check? Tony Renning: The United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit (whose decisions apply to Wisconsin employers) recently addressed the issue of whether an employer’s disclosure of a former employee’s migraine headaches during a reference check violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, No. 112848 (7th Cir. 2012). Gary Messier was hired by a technology consulting firm to perform work as a programmer for Thrivent. After working without incident for about four months, Messier failed to report for work. Messier eventually forwarded an email message indicating he was not able to report for work because he was suffering from a migraine. Messier quit his job a month later for reasons unrelated to his migraines.

Sean Fitzgerald

Publisher & President

sean@newnorthb2b.com

Carrie Rule

Sales Manager

carrie@newnorthb2b.com

Kate Erbach Production

Contributing writers

Robin Driessen Bruecker Lee Reinsch Chief Financial Officer

Vicky Fitzgerald, CPA

The lawsuit arose when Messier had trouble finding another job. An online reference checking agency Messier hired contacted Thrivent, who informed the caller that Messier “has medical conditions.” The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed suit against Thrivent on behalf of Messier alleging a violation of the ADA’s medical record confidentiality requirements. The EEOC claimed Thrivent violated the ADA by revealing confidential medical information to prospective employers. The Court of Appeals said the “plain meaning” and statutory context of the relevant ADA provisions demonstrate that confidentiality applies only to medical inquiries. Thrivent did not violate the ADA inasmuch as Thrivent was not required to treat the medical information Messier provided concerning his absence as a confidential medical record (because it was not a medical inquiry). Thrivent escaped liability only because the information about Messier’s

migraine headache did not originate from a medical inquiry. However, it is generally better to avoid any discussion about an employee’s medical history when responding to reference checks. For counsel concerning the extent of the information that may be shared in response to a reference check, contact Tony Renning at (920) 232-4842 or trenning@dkattorneys.com or any other member of the Davis & Kuelthau Labor and Employment Team. Tony Renning is an attorney in the Oshkosh office of Davis & Kuelthau, s.c. (219 Washington Avenue). Mr. Renning provides counsel to private and public sector employers on a wide variety of labor and employment law matters. This article is intended to provide information only, not legal advice. For advice regarding a particular employment situation, please contact a member of the Davis & Kuelthau, s.c. Labor and Employment Team.

NEW NORTH B2B is published monthly by WINNEBAGO B2B LLC for $20 per year or $3.95 for a single issue. Printed by Digicorporation, 120 Lake St., Neenah, WI 54956.

Green Bay

POSTMASTER: send address changes to: WINNEBAGO B2B LLC 923 S. Main St., Oshkosh, WI 54902. Bulk-rate postage paid at Oshkosh, WI. Reproduction of any contents of NEW NORTH B2B without express written permission of its publishers is strictly forbidden. The appearance of any advertisement or product information does not constitute endorsement of any product or service by WINNEBAGO B2B LLC. Copyright 2013.

Fox Cities

Oshkosh

Fond du Lac NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013 l 5

SINCE WE LAST MET

Since we last met Since We Last Met is a digest of business related news occurring in the Green Bay, Fox Cities, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac areas in the one month since the previous issue of New North B2B.

January 4

January 8

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. reported it will add nearly 100 jobs at its Outagamie County Regional Airport facility in Greenville to support work on large-cabin aircraft. The plant conducts completions work for Gulfstream’s aircraft including the design, selection and installation of the cabin configuration and layout, furniture, seats, carpets and sidewall treatments, entertainment and communication systems, and galley and lavatory fixtures.

January 4

The Green Bay Packers organization announced a $140 million improvement project for the Lambeau Field Atrium which will reorganize the location of the Pro Shop, the Packers Hall of Fame and Curly’s Pub. The project will also include a new player parking area and new player facilities in the lower level of the stadium. The project will be funded entirely through private funds from the Packers. It’s expected to begin in March and be completed in June 2015.

January 8

The U.S. Department of Labor reported 155,000 jobs were created in December, leaving the national unemployment rate relatively unchanged at 7.8 percent. Employment increased in health care, food services and drinking places, construction and manufacturing.

Miami-based real estate investment firm LNR Partners purchased the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in downtown Appleton for $17.8 million and the Holiday Inn Neenah Riverwalk for $2.8 million out of receivership through a sheriff’s auction. LNR had been the lead investor for both of the distressed properties, which were owned by Watermark

2003

2008

February 13 – The state Joint Committee on Employment Relations rejected tentative contracts with unions representing more than 31,000 state workers. Following the vote, union leaders pledged not to return to the bargaining table.

February 21 – The Interactive Network of the Fox Cities, a local government and school coalition working to implement a wireless corridor through downtown Appleton, received a positive recommendation from the consultant who evaluated plans to construct a seven mile wireless communication network along College Avenue from State Road 441 to County CB. The network would be designed for internal use by local governments and schools, though public access to the network could be available in the future through a private Internet service provider.

2005 February 3 – The Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership signed a cooperative agreement with Moraine Park, Fox Valley, NWTC and Lakeshore technical colleges to improve productivity, increase sales, and advance the competitiveness of manufacturing in northeast Wisconsin. The agreement combines the training resources and longstanding technical expertise of the four colleges with WMEP and ensures manufacturers have access to the benefits of each organization.

6 l NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013

2011 February 1 – Officials from Precision Paper Converters in Kaukauna purchased a new facial tissue converting line for its facility and plans to add six to eight employees to help with its expanded production capabilities.

www.newnorthb2b.com

SINCE WE LAST MET Hotel Investors until they went into receivership last June. There’s been no indication from LNR whether it intends to continue to operate the hotels in the near future or look to sell the properties immediately, though it’s currently investing an additional $1 million on renovations for the Paper Valley.

January 9 A Brown County Circuit Court judge upheld a decision by the Green Bay Common Council to rescind a permit it initially granted in early 2011 to Oneida Seven Generations Corp. for the construction of a 70,000-sq. ft. pyrolytic gasification electricity generation plant on the city’s west side. The city council revoked the permit in October, claiming Oneida Seven Generations misrepresented facts about the emissions of the proposed plant when initially applying for the permit. A week later, Oneida Seven Generations filed a lawsuit against the city arguing it had already invested nearly $4 million in planning, development and construction costs since the permit had initially been granted.

January 9 The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions reported 35,988 new business entities were formed statewide during 2012, an increase of 8.4 percent compared to 2011. The number of business entities formed last year was the highest since 2007.

January 9 The Village of Bellevue Board of Trustees approved a permit for Costco to construct a 150,000-sq. ft. retail store at County Road GV and Lime Kiln Road near the southeast side of Green Bay. Construction is expected to begin this spring on the store, which will include a fuel station, a tire center and an indoor food court. The store is expected to create 200 jobs.

January 10 Officials for the Port of Green Bay reported it wrapped up the 2012 shipping season with 1.92 million metric tons passing through, an 11 percent decrease from 2011 shipping records. Port officials said recent mild winters have lowered demand for road salt, and low natural gas costs have decreased coal shipments to electrical producers. Port officials also noted a 10 percent decline in the number of vessels that came through port during 2012 to 170, down from 188 vessels during 2011.

January 10 United Way Fox Cities announced it wrapped up its 2012 campaign raising $7.3 million in funds it said will assist more than 100,000 people through investments in community programs that help meet basic needs.

January 11 The state Department of Workforce Development awarded $1.2 million in additional employment and training assistance

Bundle Up On Savings! Save on your next vehicle loan from Capital with:

The Best Rates Around Bi-Weekly Payments AutoPay Rates as low as:

2.49

% APR*

Up to 5 years on cars, trucks, snowmobiles, ATVs and more!

capitalcu.com 920-731-3195 | 866-731-3195 (toll free)

*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Rate is determined by your credit score & account relationship. Actual rates may vary & are subject to change without notice. Rates as of 1/18/13. 2.49% available up to a 60 month term. $17.75/$1000 borrowed on a 60 month term. All loans subject to approval. $5000 new money required. Rates based on 2008 & newer autos, ATVs, boats, campers, cycles, personal watercraft, & snowmobiles. Federally insured by NCUA.

NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013 l 7

SINCE WE LAST MET to six local workforce development agencies to expand services to workers laid off from various employers. The federal funds will specifically help dislocated workers with testing, career counseling, retraining and job placement services. The grants included $209,462 to the Bay Area Workforce Development Board to help displaced workers at Dominion Energy near Kewaunee, Richco Structures of Sheboygan, Palmer Johnson of Sturgeon Bay and Burger Boats of Manitowoc; and a separate award of $137,802 to the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board to assist displaced workers from Churney/Kraft in Little Chute, Oshkosh Defense, Albany International in Menasha, Brake Parts Inc. in Waupaca, Mayville Products and Plexus Corp. of Neenah.

January 16 The Pulaski School Board set an April 2 referendum asking voters to fund various improvement projects in its schools through four referenda. Three questions ask to borrow additional funds – one for about $4.4 million for building repairs and security upgrades, a second seeking $9.13 million for renovations and additional classroom space, and a third for $8.19 million for a new swimming pool at the high school. A fourth question asks voters to increase the district’s spending limit by $650,000 each of the next seven years for technology upgrades. In early November voters turned down a $33 million referendum by a 2-to-1 margin which requested the new swimming pool, a multi-purpose sports complex and provided facility and technology upgrades to nearly every school in the district.

January 18 Ashwaubenon-based Shopko announced Jill Soltau has been promoted to president and chief merchandising officer. Soltau joined the retailer in 2007 as senior vice president and general merchandise manager. She previously held retail management roles with Carson Pirie Scott, Sears and Kohl’s. Previous CEO Paul Jones resigned last October after three years with the company.

January 21 The City of Green Bay Police and Fire Commission hired Tom Molitor to serve as its next chief of police. Molitor had served as interim police chief since last July, when former Chief Jim Arts resigned to become head of security for the Tennessee Titans. Molitor has been with the Green Bay Police Department since 1980. He retired as assistant chief in June 2011, and came out of retirement after a year to fill the interim role.

January 22 The cities of Berlin and Menasha were among 20 statewide selected by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. to receive assistance revitalizing their downtowns and commercial districts through the organization’s Connect Communities program. The communities will receive a range of services and resources including a network group of others participating in Connect Communities; a Main Street Executive Director Workshop; access to a WEDC community account manager; and involvement in a variety of other training programs.

8 l NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013

www.newnorthb2b.com

GUEST ADVICE

Resolve to get off your butt Standing up is healthy in a work environment where sitting is the new smoking

Dick Resch CEO, KI

What was your New Year’s resolution? If you’re like most Americans, you probably promised to lose weight, quit smoking or live a healthier lifestyle. Unfortunately, your odds of failing are high. Just 8 percent of those who make New Year’s resolutions actually succeed. Studies show that it’s almost impossible to alter your daily routine by sheer force of will. So what can you do if you’re part of the 92 percent of people without Herculean willpower? How can you successfully make a healthy lifestyle change in 2013? The answer might surprise you. And it’s to start with a micro-adjustment in your existing routine – one that’s guaranteed to improve your health and costs nothing. And one you can be doing right now. It’s called standing. That’s right – standing. And it’s something we should all do more of this year. Believe it or not, sitting is hazardous to our health. Yet many Americans sit for the bulk of the day – whether at work, in a car or on the couch watching a movie or a ballgame. Not only does sitting slow our metabolism, it’s been linked to a higher incidence of everything from heart attacks and diabetes to kidney disease and cancer. Over time, just two hours of sitting per day can drop good cholesterol by 20 percent and reduce blood flow. There’s a direct link between the rise of sedentary jobs – up 83 percent since 1950 – and the increase in obesity in America. More than a third of adults are now classified as obese, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Our newfound idleness is actually shaving years off our lives. A recent study found that men who spent more than 10 hours a week in a car had an astonishing 82 percent greater chance of dying from cardiovascular disease. And according to an American Cancer Society study, women who sit for more than six hours a day are 37 percent more likely to die than their counterparts who sit for less than three hours a day. If people sat less than three hours a day, U.S. life expectancy would increase by two years. Indeed, we might call sitting the new smoking. According to Martha Grogan, a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic, the risk of heart attack for people who sit most of the day is the same as for smokers.

The standard prescription for obesity – more exercise – may not help, as even regular gym-goers aren’t immune to the negative health effects of sitting. Genevieve Healy, a research fellow at the Cancer Prevention Research Centre of the University of Queensland in Australia, has calculated a 30-minute session at the gym isn’t enough to undo the damage of sitting down for a full workday. Fortunately, the fix for sitting too much is easy – simply stand up. It starts with being mindful of how much we sit – and looking for opportunities to stand during our daily routines. This could mean staying on our feet while enjoying morning coffee, reading the newspaper, or talking on the phone. In places where sitting is necessary – such as the office – keep an eye on the clock, and be sure to stand up and walk around at regular intervals. Bosses can implement standing meetings. Not only are such on-your-feet conclaves healthier for all involved – they’re often shorter, too. Companies might consider offering heightadjustable sit/stand desks for interested employees. If such desks were good enough for Leonardo da Vinci, Donald Rumsfeld and Winston Churchill, they’re good enough for Americans in 2013. And they’re healthier, too. A 200-pound man can burn nearly 30 percent more calories by standing rather than sitting during a normal workday. Indeed, the CDC found that workers who had access to standing workstations experienced dramatic decreases in neck and back pain and an improved mood. High-top tables in the company cafeteria can also transform a formerly sedentary activity – lunch – into a healthy one. They can also encourage more socializing among employees than the conventional lunch table. Those discouraged by the failure of previous New Year’s resolutions should resist the urge to sit this year out. Standing up is a simple way to live healthier in 2013. All we need to do is get off our butts. Dick Resch is the chief executive officer of Green Bay-based contract furniture manufacturer KI, which makes innovative furniture, height-adjustable desks and movable wall system solutions for education, healthcare, government and corporate markets.

NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013 l 9

BUILD UP FOND DU LAC 1&2

4 5

7 6

Build Up Fond du Lac 1 - 700 Stanton St., Ripon, Alliance Laundry, a 20,000sq. ft. addition for assembly, metal stamping and a press shop. Project completion expected in summer.

- 790 Eastgate Dr., Ripon, Ripon Medical Center, a 120,000-sq. ft. hospital and medical office building. Project completion expected in early 2014.

3 - 51 Sheboygan St., Fond du Lac, C Windhover Center for the Arts, a 17,700-sq. ft. addition to include additional

classrooms and a new gallery. Project completion expected in the fall.

- 545 & 600 W. Pioneer Road, Fond du Lac, Mercury Marine, an addition to the product development and engineering facility and separate additions to its manufacturing and fabrication plants. Project completion expected in late 2013.

- 385 W. Rolling Meadows Dr., Fond du Lac, Wells Vehicle Electronics, a two-story, 64,000-sq. ft. headquarters and manufacturing facility.

It should be. Our customer-friendly scrap management programs not only

IS RECYCLING BOOSTING YOUR

make the planet greener, they make you some green, too. For

• Container services

a free consultation, call Glen Laehn at 1-800-236-5700 today!

• Custom recycling programs

Green Bay • Manitowoc • Sheboygan • Berlin • Oshkosh • Fond du Lac

• Dedicated dispatch • Material security

BOTTOM-LINE?

• Environmental protection • “Down To Earth” recycling www.Sadoff.com

SR00-1012 Revised_boosting bottom line_Final.indd 1

10 l NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013

...and more

10/10/12 9:27 AM

www.newnorthb2b.com

BUILD UP OSHKOSH 8

C - Indicates a new listing

12 13

6 - 123 E. Larsen Dr., Fond du Lac, McNeilus Steel, a 96,000-sq. ft. industrial coil processing facility. Project completion expected in August. General contractor is Keller Inc. of Kaukauna.

11 - 1210 S. Koeller St., Oshkosh, Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Store, a new retail building. Project completion expected in spring.

- 985 S. Main St., Fond du Lac, Wisnet.com, a new office building.

Build Up Oshkosh

13 - 3735 S. Washburn St., Oshkosh, C Big Rig Chrome Shop, an 18,192-sq. ft. retail building and warehouse. Project completion expected in May. General contractor is Keller Inc. of Kaukauna.

Projects completed since our January issue: • Lamers Bus Lines, 565 N. Douglas St., Ripon. • Kwik Trip, 5821 Green Valley Road, town of Vinland. • Cherry Berry Yogurt Bar, 1820 Jackson St., Oshkosh. • Wihlm Dental, 2530 W. Ninth Ave., Oshkosh.

- 112 Viola St., Oshkosh, Oaklawn Elementary School, a two-story, 68,000-sq. ft. school building. Project completion expected in August. 2251 Omro Road, Oshkosh, Horicon Bank, a new financial institution office.

10 - 625 Pearl Ave., Oshkosh, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Alumni Welcome and Conference Center, a twostory, 40,000-sq. ft. welcome center and meeting facility. Project completion expected in December.

- 4070 State Road 91, Oshkosh, F.N. Sheppard & Company, an addition to the existing industrial facility.

B2B’s 2013 Firefighters of Northeast Wisconsin If you’d like help putting out the fires in your business, send a note to the publisher at sean@newnorthb2b.com. Businesses awarded no-cost strategic consultation in our 3rd Annual Firefighters initiative will be selected in March 2013.

NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013 l 11

BUILD UP FOX CITIES Build Up Fox Cities The Build Up department of New North B2B includes a monthly two-page spread identifying significant commercial and industrial construction projects ongoing in the Fox Cities area. C - Indicates a new listing

1 - 1825 N. Bluemound Dr., town of Grand Chute,

Fox Valley Technical College Health Simulation and Technology Center, a three-story, 60,000-sq. ft. health care and emergency medical services education and training facility.

2 - 2400 N. Casaloma Dr., town of Grand Chute, Fox Cities Stadium, a 34,539-sq. ft. addition to the existing grandstands for a banquet facility, added luxury boxes as well as renovations to expand the team locker rooms and clubhouse shop. Project completion expected in April. 3 - W6390 Challenger Dr., town of Greenville,

Outagamie County Regional Airport, an 8,000-sq. ft. general aviation terminal building and a separate 12,000-sq. ft. hangar for general aviation use.

4 - West Challenger Drive, town of Greenville, Fox Valley Technical College Public Safety Training Center, a 93,000-sq. ft. training facility for fire protection and law enforcement personnel. Project completion expected in December 2014.

5 - 3310 W. College Ave., town of Grand Chute,

multitenant retail center to include Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt and Starbucks. Project completion expected in spring.

6 - 1025 W. Navitus Dr., town of Grand Chute,

Navitus Health Solutions, a three-story, 68,600-sq. ft. new office building. Project completion expected in September.

7 - 100 Allegiance Ct., Little Chute, Tailwaggers Doggy Daycare, a dog day care center and pet retail store. 8 - 340 Patriot Dr., Little Chute, Green Stone Farm Credit Services, a two-story, 21,000-sq. ft. office building. 9 - Vandenbroek & Main streets, Little Chute, Salon Indulgence, a 3,682-sq. ft. salon and spa facility. Project completion expected in late spring. 10 - N110 Brux Road, town of Buchanan,

Wagner Family Chiropractic SC, a 3,100-sq. ft. chiropractic clinic and office. Project completion expected in February.

11 - 1506 S. Oneida St., Appleton, C St. Elizabeth Hospital, a five-story, 90-bed patient tower, as well as renovations to the cancer center and behavioral health.

Relax.

We’ve got you covered.

12 - 1870 U.S. Highway 10/114,

Kwik Trip, an addition

to the existing convenience store.

- 1050 Zephyr Dr., town of Menasha, St. Mary Central High School, a 22,000-sq. ft. fine arts education center to include a 495-seat auditorium. Project completion expected in April.

14 - 540 Discovery Dr., Neenah, Futek Forms, Tags and Labels, an 18,100-sq. ft. industrial facility. Project completion expected in June. General contractor is Keller Inc. of Kaukauna. 15 - 2444 Schultz Dr., Neenah, Plexus Corp., a 473,369-

For all your commercial, industrial, and institutional roofing needs.

sq. ft. manufacturing facility. Project completion expected in late fall. Projects completed since our January issue: • Appleton Alliance Church, 2693 W. Grand Chute Blvd., town of Grand Chute. • IPS Testing, 3211 E. Capitol Dr., Appleton.

866-799-0530 | N2971 Hwy. 15, Hortonville

www.wiroofer.com

12 l NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013

www.newnorthb2b.com

BUILD UP FOX CITIES 6

7 &8

1 9

5 3& 4 11

14 & 15

Take the first step toward a professional, quality built construction project...

Building Quality Communities Contact us or visit our Web site for a full listing of your local construction professionals.

9 2 0 . 7 3 3 . 3 1 3 6 y 866.966.3928 y www.newbt.org NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013 l 13

BUILD UP GREEN BAY Build Up Green Bay The Build Up department of New North B2B includes a monthly two-page spread identifying significant commercial and industrial construction projects ongoing in the Green Bay area. C - Indicates a new listing

1 - 2564 Lineville Road, Suamico, Dorsch Auto Credit, a used auto dealership. Project completion expected in spring. 2 - 2525 Lineville Road, Howard, Fox Communities Credit Union, a 4,452-sq. ft. financial institution building. Project completion expected in March. 3 - 2325 Pamperin Road, Howard, Ace Manufacturing Industries Inc., a 22,434-sq. ft. addition to the existing industrial facility.

11 - 2851 University Ave., Green Bay, Milo C. Huempfner Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic, a new 192,000sq. ft. outpatient clinic for veterans services. Project completion expected in April. 12 - 1600 Van Ess Road, New Franken, New Tech Metals, a 6,946-sq. ft. addition to the existing industrial facility. Project completion expected in March. General contractor is Keller Inc. of Kaukauna. 13 - 1100 S. Huron Road, Green Bay, Frontline Building Products and Green Bay Overhead Door, a 217,884-sq. ft. industrial facility to include offices and more than 200,000 square feet of warehousing space. Project completion expected in spring. General contractor is Keller Inc. of Kaukauna.

- 900 Isbell St., Green Bay, BioLife Plasma Service, a 17,500-sq. ft. medical facility.

14 - 2535 Babcock Road, Ashwaubenon, C Convenience Store, a new fuel station and convenience store.

5 - 1499 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay, Cabelaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, a 100,000sq. ft. retail store. Project completion expected in August.

15 - 3383 Spirit Way, Ashwaubenon,

6 - 2074 S. Ashland Ave., Ashwaubenon, Green Bay Anodizing, an addition to the existing industrial facility. Project completion expected in spring.

16 -

7 - 500 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay, Integrys Printing, a 4,000-sq. ft. addition to the existing printing facility. Project completion expected in spring. 8 - 414 Dousman St., Green Bay,

C Glass Nickel Pizza, a renovation of the existing building for a new restaurant. General contractor is James J. Calmes Construction Co. of Kaukauna.

9 - 400 N. Washington St., Green Bay, Schreiber Foods Inc., a five-story, 250,000-sq. ft. corporate headquarters building. Project completion expected in early 2014. 10 - 835 S. Van Buren St., Green Bay,

St. Vincent Hospital, a 10,500-sq. ft. addition to the existing medical center.

FedEx Ground, a 100,000-sq. ft. distribution center and offices. Project completion expected in June.

1745 E. Mathew Dr., De Pere, De Pere Cabinet Inc., a new warehouse facility. Project completion expected in spring.

17 - 2121 Innovation Ct., De Pere,

Foth & Van Dyke LLC, a 95,000-sq. ft. office building. Project completion expected in fall.

18 -

2260 American Blvd., De Pere, Metal Storm Metal Fabrication, a new manufacturing facility and offices.

19 - 1900 Enterprise Dr., De Pere,

C.A. Lawton Company, a 15,000-sq. ft. addition to the existing foundry facility to include a blast furnace and clean process equipment. Project completion expected in spring.

Projects completed since our January issue: None

Attention Building Owners and Architects

Get more competitive bids listing your project at Builders Exchange of Wisconsin Utilize our state of the art, password protected system - Save Time and Money - Free project advertising - Access a pool of over 800 qualified Sub-Contractors 2 convenient locations to serve you W2518 Cty Rd JJ Appleton WI 54913 920.687.8782 14 l NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013

Information is your most powerful tool

11331 W. Rogers St. Milwaukee WI 53227 414.763.1520 www.newnorthb2b.com

BUILD UP GREEN BAY 1 thru 3

4 11 8 5

10 6

14 13

16 thru 18

NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013 l 15

AROUND THE BOARDROOM

31 The percent of NE Wisconsin respondents to a recent Nicolet Bank Business Pulse survey who identified health care and tax costs as top challenges heading into 2013. Both health care and taxes were mentioned so infrequently during the previous year’s survey that they fell into the “other” category. Source: 4th Qtr. 2012 Nicolet Bank Business Pulse

Title: Why Leadership Sucks: Fundamentals of Servant Leadership Author: Miles Anthony Smith Publisher: Kompelling Publishing Pages: 206 List Price: $14.95 print / Kindle $7.96 Why Buy: Do you wish you were in leadership, or are you frustrated with being in leadership? Do you wonder why leadership sucks or why others suck at leading? You are not alone. Real leadership sucks because it is hard work, requires selfless service, and because the buck stops with the leader. Green Bay business professional Miles Smith writes about the fundamentals of servant leadership, or Level 5 leadership, noting it is uncomfortable, humbling, self-denying, painful and counter-intuitive. Nonetheless, it is the only kind of leadership that brings lasting results, genuine happiness and true self-fulfillment.

QUOTEWORTHY “We’re now entering into 2007, and we feel kind of good about that.” - Jeff Sachse, northeast Wisconsin labor market analyst for the state Department of Workforce Development, joking about the agency’s development of an iPhone app for job seekers during the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast in January.

What does a great smile cost you?

A CarePlus Dental Plan can benefit your bottom line. Reduce your current dental health plan costs by up to 25%. Improving Oral Health you minimize the number of work hours lost each year. Increase efficiencies through healthier, happier and more productive employees. Increase employee loyalty, lower costly turnover and enhance recruitment of key prospective hires.

Call 800.318.7007 or visit careplusdentalplans.com to learn more. Care-Plus Dental Plans, Inc. is a non-profit Limited Service Health Organization licensed and regulated by the State of Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. Dental Associates is the exclusive provider to Care-Plus Dental Plans, Inc.

B2B0113

16 l NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013

www.newnorthb2b.com

AROUND THE BOARDROOM

Who wisely purchased BodyGuardz® device protection for his iPad before reviewing marketing communications that make coffee shoot out of his nose, causing him to crush their creators to dust under the full weight of his Birkenstocks.

An invitation not for the faint of heart Editor’s Note: While taking a winter reprieve at his time share in Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean, Pierce Stronglove was lounging outside on his lanai overlooking Providenciales - and of course sipping his Gentleman Jack - when he was bit by a touch of ultraviolet poisoning. As a result, he was unable to finish his column for the February edition of New North B2B. We assured him our readers have nothing but the best wishes for his quick recovery and return to his writing desk. In place of a new submission, we’re reprinting the very first installment of Pierce Stronglove in B2B from November 2007, reiterating Pierce’s background and reminding our good readers of his standing offer to assess your company’s marketing efforts. At no cost. With additional free exposure in B2B. And some no-cost advice for improvement, if your marketing work isn’t already perfect. Enjoy! I suspect the reason so much of the advertising we see today either falls into the quagmire of mediocrity or simply sux is that too many businesses look at it as an expense. Top-drawer work tends to come from marketers who see their advertising as an investment. They expect a measurable payout, and they get it. Or they get a new ad agency. Unfortunately, too many advertisers are wasting their money. Maybe a TV or radio station or printer offers them “free” creative services because all they really want to sell is airtime or paper and ink. Or maybe some nitwit decides to buy desktop publishing software so they no longer need their ad agency. Then you’ve got the car dealer who insists – against his ad agency’s counsel – to feature his garblespeaking child in his TV spots. Or the manufacturer who – again, against his agency’s most fervent protestation – cannot restrain himself from featuring an aerial view of his new 40,000 square-foot facility in his trade ad. Wrong, wrong, wrong-o. There’s top-notch talent right here in the 920, as good or better than you’ll find in the 212 or the 312. If you’re not tapping into it, or you’re tying its hands, or you think of advertising as an expense as in the examples cited above, then you are correct. It’s waste. Think about putting your advertising budget into a CD instead. If you want to be sure you’re getting a payout for your advertising investment, send your work to me. I’ll run it through the Hi-Fi Crap-O-Matic™ Filtration System. If it sends me, my eyeballs seared in revulsion, running for my

Gentleman Jack bourbon barrel, I’ll tell you things your agency might be intimidated to say for fear of losing your business. Or things your agency doesn’t want you to know. Or things your mother forgot to teach you. Oh, you’ll learn all right. And you’ll like it. We just need to be sure Mother Stronglove doesn’t hear about this. She thinks she taught her son that if you don’t have something nice to say… well, yanno. On the other hand, if it makes me want to light up a Gurkha Legend with the satisfaction of a job well done, I will gush as your work is held up as a shining example of hope for marketers throughout the New North and and it will automatically be DQed for the Annual Baddy® Awards. Doo, my capuchin monkey, is just about to fire up the backup generator for the Crap-O-Matic. We’re ready for your best. Behind the façade of Mr. Stronglove is an advertising professional with more than 25 years of award-winning industry experience. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Madison, he has wielded his strategic and conceptual skills and talents in all forms of media (except book jackets) for small independent businesses as well as Fortune 500 companies, both consumer and trade, from local to global. You can contact him at piercestronglove@gmail. com. To submit your work for review, it must be attached as a PDF in Adobe format with no other attachments. You may not submit the work of other advertisers.

NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013 l 17

COVER STORY

Growing into family business 18 l NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013

Story by Sean Fitzgerald, New North B2B publisher

www.newnorthb2b.com

COVER STORY

Youngest generation often wrestles with a variety of issues when joining older relatives in the family-run company

Growing up in a family that owns a business might seem like it would lay out a magical Yellow Brick Road for a career path and future wealth. Yet, the easy street of finishing high school and going right into a cushy job in a successful family business is perhaps more a storyline for the Ewings on “Dallas” than reality for most family-run companies who remain successful generation after generation. That’s because high-performing, world-class companies closely held by family members can’t simply dole out entitlements to children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren and remain profitable for the long-term. They recognize management and leadership positions – whether held by family or non-family members – need to command the trust and respect of the company’s staff and customers. Those company’s have clear and open communication across the business, allowing all employees to know and understand their role and opportunities within the business. “The good programs within a family business are those that are transparent and allow everyone to know where they stand,” said Cathy Huybers, executive director of the Wisconsin Family Business Forum, located at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. The forum consists of 36 member family businesses across northeast Wisconsin who share experiences and develop plans to avoid many of the pitfalls that often allow family businesses to be extinguished after just one or two generations. Perpetuating family business, however, means bringing the youngest generation into the company at some point and equipping them with the tools and skills to someday provide effective leadership that’s respected by others.

Getting into the business As much as it might seem like a no-brainer, the decision of whether or not to even come into the family business is one clouded with various issues. Children might not have seen their parents and grandparents much while growing up due to work commitments, or have memories about them returning home from the business frustrated because of challenges with employees or vendors. A number of family-owned farms in Wisconsin are struggling

pass along several decades of proud heritage to the next generation because the younger group recognizes the increasing struggle of operating the family farm without taking it to a significantly larger scale. Other children of business owners simply have different aspirations, and are encouraged by their parents to pursue those dreams. Mandi McConnell Hinrichs never thought she’d someday find her way back into her father’s nearly three decadeold trucking company when she graduated college with her marketing degree. “At that time, I thought I was going to be one of those people who set the world on fire and moved to Chicago, LA or New York,” said McConnell Hinrichs, who went off to work in the pharmaceutical sales industry for four years after college. The youngest of five children, McConnell Hinrichs eventually came to a point in her life where she wanted to move closer to family and pursue a different challenge in her career.

That’s because high-performing, world-class companies closely held by family members can’t simply dole out entitlements to children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren and remain profitable for the long-term. Flash Trucking in Green Lake was growing, and her father, Pat McConnell, believed she could use her education and work experience for the benefit of the company’s visibility. She came back to Green Lake five years ago to head up sales and marketing efforts for the company, which boasts more than 100 trucks and more than 200 employees mostly doing short haul transport of dry bulk commodities like sand, cement and plastic. Now 31, she serves as the company’s vice president of sales and marketing, and is working to someday take over the reins of the company when her father retires. Similarly, Jason Wuest wasn’t initially interested in a career working for Badger Mining Corp., the company that’s been in NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013 l 19

COVER STORY Fox Valley Tech has helped us attract some of the best and brightest students to our company. Jessica Stini, PHR Recruiting Specialist Miller Electric Mfg. Co.

Post your job openings on Wisconsin TechConnect, your online resource for Wisconsin technical college graduates. It’s fast, easy to use, and free!

Wisconsin TechConnect

Wisconsin

Connecting Skills With Jobs

www.fvtc.edu/ses-employers A Service of Wisconsin’s 16 Technical Colleges (920) 735-JOBS (5627) ses@fvtc.edu

TechConnect

Student Employment Services

TechConnect

his family for four generations. Like many of his cousins, he’d worked for the Berlin-based company during summers in high school, but left upon graduation to work for a local construction firm. “Back then, the company was in a different place, as was I,” Wuest said. “There really was no pressure to get into the family business at the time.” After nearly 10 years of working for someone else, Wuest hung his own shingle and ventured into entrepreneurship with his own construction firm. Unfortunate timing with the advent of the recent recession left Wuest and his family searching for more stability, and he returned to work at Badger Mining three years ago as a third-shift floater, filling in for others at the company’s Fairwater plant as they took vacations or missed shifts due to illness. Wuest, 33, is also looking to ascend into some aspect of management in the future. He’s a self-described “guinea pig” for a leadership mentoring program the company is implementing, though it’s only in its most formative phase at this point. Opposite Wuest and McConnell Henrichs, Joe Luedtke always knew he’d someday join SCP Inc. in Hortonville, the skid, crate and pallet manufacturing firm his father started 19 years ago. Now 29, Luedtke was just 10 years old when his father started the company in a small Appleton industrial space building pallets by hand on nights and weekends while continuing to work his regular job with the former Fox River Paper Co. After graduating college in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, Luedtke enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served for five years, eventually achieving the rank of captain. He served two tours of duty in the Middle East, and always knew he’d return to the family business when he completed his military commitment. The military experience provided Luedtke training in logistics and supply chain management that’s proven critical to his role at SCP as a materials buyer and corporate sales manager.

Learning the ropes

“Frontier Builders did an excellent job from zoning to design and thru construction. We wanted to be open for the holidays which made for a tight schedule, but they expedited construction and we opened our doors as planned. Weʼre very excited about our new location!” Butch Kolosso, Owner Little Chicago Dining & Spirits

20 l NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013

The process by which family businesses expose younger generations to the numerous aspects of the company varies from family to family, according to Huybers. Those with a plan in place are typically more successful transitioning from one generation to the next, because all expectations are laid out in the plan. “When there isn’t a plan in place, that’s when the younger generation can feel uncertain and not be exactly sure what their role is in the business,” Huybers noted. Badger Mining recently developed a “learning opportunity” program which allows family members to go through an eightweek job shadowing program the summer after their sophomore or junior years in high school, said Vicky Wuest, a director for the company and a third-generation owner. She’s also Jason’s mother, and her husband, Tim, is the current president of Badger Mining. The branch of the family tree associated with the business has 13 people in the third generation – who represent much of the older management of the firm – and 29 members of the fourth generation, with ages ranging from 4 years old to 36. Jason’s children represent what could possibly

www.newnorthb2b.com

COVER STORY be the fifth generation of the family business. “We want to ensure their development in the company (both as owners and as an employee if they should choose that route),” Vicky Wuest said. “We want them to know the company’s history and the heritage of the family. But we don’t want to force them into a position that they don’t want.” As mentioned previously, Jason is currently engaged in a mentoring program through which he attends all meetings across the company, learning the nuts and bolts of what’s occurring in each department of the 270-employee provider of industrial sand and complementary products. Jason is also working on a bachelor’s degree in business management through Marian University in Fond du Lac. At Flash Trucking, McConnell Hinrichs is starting out on a transition plan her father, Pat, believes will take about three to five years until he’s ready to retire. While she’s fairly adept in managing the firm’s sales and getting to know its customers, there’s still a good deal to learn along the lines of safety, transportation regulations, logistics of the maintenance shop, and operations across the company’s four regional terminals and eight transload locations across the country. “It’s a lot to learn,” Pat McConnell said, recalling that he and his wife, Lynn, started the business in 1984 with just three trucks and four employees. “We grew it to where it is today, but we did it on a daily basis, and my wife and I were able to make the changes as the business grew.” Pat said he’s comfortable with the rate at which his daughter is learning the structure of the company and gaining the

respect of the rest of the staff. He said Mandi has lured in new clients and helped bring more structure to the organization, which has helped earn the trust of a number of employees. That’s critical in a family business, and certainly a different dynamic than a relatively-anonymous employee who works through the ranks to gain the respect of co-workers in any other employer. “As children in family business, (other employees) know who you are. You walk through the plant, and you’re instantly recognized by the rest of the employees as the child of the owner,” said Huybers, noting there’s an automatic sense of being treated differently. That can hinder training and development, Huybers said, particularly if a respected, longtime non-family member of the management team is training the owner’s child with the knowledge that someday he may be

Perpetuating family business, however, means bringing the youngest generation into the company at some point and equipping them with the tools and skills to someday provide effective leadership that’s respected by others.

NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013 l 21

COVER STORY

Discover banking with a personalized touch

Meet Erin Vacheresse and Mei Bloechl, professional bankers ready to provide you with a first-class banking experience. When it comes to understanding your financial needs, their knowledge and high-touch service make them a valuable banking partner. Mei and Erin are trusted financial resources committed to work with you to create solutions tailored to suit your unique personal needs.

101 City Center, Oshkosh (Located on Pearl Avenue)

920-237-5126

subordinate to that individual. She emphasizes that’s where a well-defined and transparent training, development and transition plan can create a comfortable environment for all employees, family and non-family members alike.

Sibling rivalry In many family businesses where siblings or cousins are relatively the same age and experience much of the same upbringing, issues can arise about who’s entitled to become the heir to the corner office if a solid succession plan isn’t implemented. Fortunately, that hasn’t been the case with the firms B2B spoke with for this article. At SCP in Hortonville, Luedtke’s older brother, Charlie, came into the family business fulltime immediately after graduating college 12 years ago and now serves as the company’s general manager, where he oversees financial, human resources and operations management. They have a sister who remains a minority owner in the company, but lives in Florida and has no management role with the firm. Even though Charlie is tentatively slated to lead the company when their father eventually retires, Joe Luedtke explained there’s no issues between the two siblings. “My brother and I are very different in who we are and how we do things,” Luedtke said. His older brother enjoys the numbers-crunching tasks and operations management of the company, while Joe describes himself as an extrovert who likes to get out and about among customers and vendors.

Preparing for leadership There certainly is no manual for grooming one’s child to take over the family business. Much of it is trial and error, readjustment, and then more trial and error. Bill Bassett was the second generation of Kaukauna-based Bassett Mechanical when he bought the company from his uncle in 1974. At the time, it had roughly 30 employees and primarily did service work for commercial and industrial refrigeration systems, such as those a cheese plant would have in place. “I came in and I was president – unqualified and inexperienced,” said Bassett, now retired as president and CEO but

On the Web Wisconsin Family Business Forum

www.wfbf.uwosh.edu

22 l NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013

www.newnorthb2b.com

COVER STORY

“

When there isn’t a plan in place, that’s when the younger generation can feel uncertain and not be exactly sure what their role is in the business.

”

Cathy Huybers, executive director, Wisconsin Family Business Forum still active as the chairman of the company’s board of directors. “Not the way to do it.” When Bill’s daughter, Kim, was in search of a career change from her job in speech pathology during the fast-changing health care industry of the mid-1990s, she ultimately decided to get into the family business. Bill had Kim take an in-depth career assessment to gauge both her interests among the types of jobs at Bassett Mechanical as well as her capabilities. The assessment suggested Kim would benefit from more formal education in business management, Bill said, and she went back to school to earn a graduate management degree. Bassett started his daughter in the sales and service department, where he knew she’d receive good training in a structured environment. He said it was important up front to ensure he and his daughter had a mutual understanding that working in the business might not necessarily prove to be the best path for Kim or for the business – and that if such a time came to pass – he’d continue to love her as his daughter. “We had a discussion that if this didn’t work out, we’re still family,” Bassett said. “We’d have to get past (the issues that led to parting ways).” Fortunately for both, that wasn’t the case. The two would eventually develop a transition plan for Kim to take over as president and CEO. Kim also worked in the field, in the firm’s engineering department, and would eventually lead the company’s lean initiative to cut back on waste and create efficiencies within the organization. She then held successive roles managing the service department and serving as chief operations officer. Altogether, Bassett said Kim spent about 12 years training to become CEO before the company’s board of directors elected her to that role in late 2009. “She had to earn it and show the rest of the company that she was ready to lead,” Bassett said. Bassett credits his human resource staff during the past decade and a half with helping to develop and implement a sound training and succession plan for Kim. The succession plan at Bassett Mechanical is often discussed by other members of the Wisconsin Family Business Forum as a model worth emulating, though Huybers acknowledges each family business has different dynamics which will ultimately drive any transition among generations. Nonetheless, she stressed a definitive plan is worth the time and effort to put in place at a family business. “Have a plan in place so that the younger generation knows what the expectations are and what needs to be done to achieve their goals within the company,” she said.

Better

Leaders Decisions

RESULTS

TEC is about

peers helping peers grapple, wrestle and come out on top with sound solutions to serious and significant business obstacles and, most importantly, new business opportunities. Our membership network has experience with a wide gamut of issues such as: Working with entrepreneurs Risk-taking Dealing with ownership in transition Finding the most effective personnel Strategic planning Benefit and retirement planning Doing business globally Implementing new technologies

TEC offers programs, products and services for large and small companies. Contact us today to start moving your business forward. Michele Bernstein

800.236.9832

tec@tecmidwest.com www.tecmidwest.com NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013 l 23

TECHNOLOGY

on the move Story by Lee Reinsch Some of us remember the days when you weren’t really at work unless the boss could see that you were cemented to your office chair. And even though technology forged ahead, being physically at the office became even more important, because that’s where all the information was: On the mainframe. Remember the mainframe? Back then, you even had to go to the office to listen to your voicemail. Eventually the BlackBerry arrived and workers felt their leashes extending a smidge, as smartphones let them check email from the drive-thru. “Mobility became a big topic when smartphones became very prevalent –that was just opening the door to the market,” said Kevin Wirth, director of mobile platforms and development for Skyline Technologies, Inc. in Green Bay and Appleton. “Now (mobile technology) covers the gamut of so many different devices and needs.” Now we don’t even have to be in the same hemisphere as our colleagues. We can tell our TVs and furnaces to turn on from across the country and attend conferences in our living rooms. We can do so much from outside our offices, maybe there’s reason to believe that someday, being caught at work will be grounds for suspicion.

While mobile technology is becoming more widely adopted, businesses can take more virtual approaches to managing staff Not The SCOOTER Store The word “mobility” used to refer to one’s degree of getand operations

ting around and was often used in conjunction with wheelchairs. These days, being mobile can mean lots of things: 8 Employees working from virtual offices; 8 Cloud computing; 8 Brick-and-mortar businesses enhancing their capabilities with smartphones and apps; 8 Touching up a project while you’re at your kid’s soccer game. “Being able to check into corporate systems (while off site) would be of value to anyone,” said Jakob Iversen, associate professor of information systems at University of Wisconsin Oshkosh College of Business Administration. “Making an intranet site available in a mobile format makes it that much more valuable.” One example Iversen gave was of an insurance agent having mobile access to claims filed in an area after a big storm, or being able to submit new claims right from the field. Executives might check their intranet before the workday begins to see how other branches are performing in order to pinpoint where their priorities should go that day, Iversen said. Even a small housecleaning service might benefit from letting

24 l NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013

www.newnorthb2b.com

TECHNOLOGY employees use smartphones to hop on the calendar throughout the day to handle scheduling issues as they arise. Mobile technology opens up an entirely new range of functions for a business operation. Cleaning staff could use the camera on their phone to take a quick photo of a part of the building previously damaged to document they didn’t damage it. “If the homeowner is out, they could email and say ‘We need more supplies’ or ‘Here is something we couldn’t get clean,’” Iversen said. Or they could process a credit card payment on their device. “They could take calls and emails from potential clients when out and about rather than waiting till they come back home,” Iversen said. “They could do a quote for a cleaning on the spot.”

A nebulous concept? “The term ‘cloud computing’ is a trendy term for storing stuff in the cloud,” like with Google Docs and Google Drive, noted Amanda Betts, marketing director for Stellar Blue Web Design in Neenah. Her firm presents a variety of seminars on topics such as cloud computing and mobile business technologies. If you’ve ever stored anything in one of those free email accounts, you’ve more or less cloud computed. If you’re familiar with Google Drive (formerly Google Documents), then you probably get the gist of some of the other basic cloud tools out there. Google Drive is sort of like packratting your stuff in your Gmail account, except it offers the ability to create documents, spreadsheets, charts, forms, drawings, presentations, etc., and it can allow other people to access and edit. So several people can work on a project and store it in cyberspace, rather than emailing it back and forth five zillion times every time they make a change. The cloud can replace the hard drive as a storage spot for your stuff. Instead of storing it on your computer, you upload it into the ether. “What the cloud does is allow us to be more mobile – so if we are uploading and storing our things in the cloud, it allows us to retrieve from any Internet-enabled device – desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone – as long as you have the ability to connect with the Internet.” Betts suggested a few ways to work from the cloud, both free and subscription-based. Dropbox allows users to create folders for public or private use or to share entire files or documents within the file, she said. Nothing is stored on local hard drives. “The fluidity and intuitiveness for their iPad app is fantastic,” Betts said of Dropbox. Evernote is another tool that enables cloud storage and retrieval. With Evernote, you can store research from various sites all in one place, share notes with colleagues, as well as have all your notes, files and images available and in sync on all your devices and computers. Each of these capabilities benefits a busy business professional on the go. “We are seeing more apps developed for the business individual that make your business environment that much more fluid no matter where you are or what (platform) you are working with,” Betts said. WebEx allows online meetings, presentations and training sessions, as does GoToMeeting.

Will they be ready to LEAD your family business? Learn how to manage, strategize and grow your family business into the next generation of success. The Wisconsin Family Business Forum can help. For more information, call (920) 424-2257 or visit our website at wfbf.uwosh.edu.

NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013 l 25

TECHNOLOGY What we’re using

West Side Association Annual Meeting Thursday, March 7th 7:30 – 9:00AM

$10 INCLUDES CONTINENTAL B REAKFAST

La Sure’s Banquet Hall 3125 S. Washburn Ave Oshkosh

Questions & Discussion with

RSVP by March 1st to info@westsideassociation.com

Moderated by Sean Fitzgerald Publisher New North B2B 26 l NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013

The word mobile comes from the Latin word “mobilis” or movable, and it dates to around 1480 or 1490, according to Dictionary.com. If Columbus had a smartphone, he might have trimmed his travel time by Googling the East Indies before leaving home. (Or just ordering some curry powder for King Ferdinand from Amazon.) “Mobile technology is very, very broad. It’s also changing so fast that a conversation (on the topic) we have today will be slightly or totally different six months from now,” said Kevin Wirth, director of mobile platforms and development for Skyline Technologies in Green Bay and Appleton. And, more options than ever are available to enterprises that want the freedom or convenience that mobility offers them: Smartphones: In the event that you don’t have one yet, phones that are smart can do more than play Mineshaft and phone home. They have Internet connectivity at the very least. They often have QWERTY keyboards, touchscreens and cameras. You can text, email and surf the web with a smartphone. All smartphones are mobile phones, but not all mobile phones are smartphones. Wirth said the most common smartphones still are the iPhone and any of the Android devices. Windows has just recently come out with its own smartphone. Tablets: “iPads were the first really good tablets,” Wirth said. “After that came Android tablets, then Google with Nexus tablets, and there are many other players in that market with Androidrelated devices.” He mentioned Windows RT devices which are a variation of Windows 8.

While tablets had primarily been toys for recreational Web browsing and playing games, new applications are changing that role. “Tablets have been around for a few years but what’s new is that more and more, tablets are being used in business,” said Amanda Betts, marketing director for Stellar Blue Web Design in Neenah. Tablets range from small (7 to 7.9 inches diagonally) to large (over 10.1 inches diagonally). They can access Internet, play movies, show videos, videoconference, download books and email, but they can’t make phone calls. Phablets combine a phone and a tablet, such as the Samsung Galaxy Note. They’re bigger than a smartphone but smaller than a tablet, ranging from 5 to 7 inches diagonal. “The market niche for the phablet is people who don’t want to lug around their big laptops, but who want to do more than they can do on their smartphones,” Wirth said. With an iPad, you can’t make a call. “You can do stuff on a smartphone, but it’s not optimal,” Wirth said. “A phablet isn’t as functional as a full tablet, but you can make a call with it.” Tablet-laptop hybrids: These were big at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last month and purportedly offer close to the full horsepower of a laptop but in the size and shape of a tablet. Two models include the Yoga 13 by Lenovo and the Transformer Book by Asus. They look like netbooks – only the keyboard swivels off, transforming the mini-laptop into a tablet.

www.newnorthb2b.com

TECHNOLOGY Remote-access apps allow users to be on the road and access their desktop computer at home or work. A few tools Betts likes include GoToMyPC and PocketCloud. “These tools are ideal for anyone who doesn’t work in the same space all day long, ideal for industries with traveling salespeople, virtual offices, or a lot of networking,” Betts said, adding that she works with many real estate agents who are always on the go. Betts uses her smartphone as a sales tool. While paying a visit to a client, she can scroll through the various websites Stellar Blue has designed to illustrate the company’s repertoire.

Getting paid Betts uses GoPayment, which allows a merchant to use their smart phone to take a credit card payment. “You plug your device into the audio jack, log on to your merchant account, swipe the person’s card, and you can send receipts and process information on the fly,” Betts said. She said products like GoPayment and another called Square would work for any business with clients seeing them outside regular business hours or outside the regular retail setting. “Processing fees are relatively low, so from a financial perspective, there are all sorts of opportunities growing, whether you are a one-person business or a large logistics company, you can sign contracts right on the spot,” she said.

On the Web GoToMyPC www.Gotomypc.com Evernote www.Evernote.com GoToMeeting www.Gotomeeting.com PocketCloud www.Pocketcloud.com Dropbox

www.Dropbox.com

GoPayment www.intuit-gopayment.com Square

www.squareup.com

Lee Reinsch writes and edits from Green Bay.

Financing for investment properties. • All time low rates • Customized terms • Increase cash flow • Decrease expenses • Local lending decisions

To learn more about our business services, contact

John Hill, Vice President of Commercial Lending Business Lending Group 920-252-0683 BusinessRelations@citizensfirst.com

Federally Insured by NCUA citizensfirst.com Fond du Lac: 740 W. Johnson St. · 1045 E. Johnson St. Oshkosh: Hwy. 44/2900 Universal St. · 750 Witzel Ave. · 2655 N. Main St.

NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013 l 27

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Igniting Opportunity

in the south Fox Valley

Economic development initiatives in Oshkosh, Fox Cities aim to enhance visibility of community assets to attract jobs Story by Robin Driessen Bruecker New and improved economic development initiatives launching in Oshkosh and in the Fox Cities promise to bring much more visibility and strategic focus toward developing the economy of the area. While there have been a variety of focused economic development efforts in existence in both communities in the past, these new efforts are driven by commissioned studies that have led to new brand identities to help promote the best each community has to offer. In the Fox Cities, business leaders have worked for more than a year to develop Ignite Fox Cities, which officially began its program of work last month. In Oshkosh, a coordinated marketing effort began highlighting Opportunity Oshkosh late last year and into 2013 to help advance the city’s economic base. Here’s an overview of each initiative and how they’ve evolved.

Ignite Fox Cities A study commissioned by the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce & Industry during 2011 led to the implementation of a fundraising campaign to create an economic development corporation for Outagamie and Calumet counties, as well as the portion of Winnebago County north of County Road GG. “The notion of establishing a regional economic development organization grew from the realization that this area had never had such – within the context of some 5,000 of these organizations operating throughout the country, and knocking on the doors of our own employers in an attempt to have them

28 l NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013

relocate to their areas,” said Larry Burkhardt, executive vice president of the new Fox Cities Economic Development Corp. created by the chamber. “I assume that part of the reason for this is that the region has never suffered through severe economic crisis – the trigger for many economic development organizations.” The chamber’s board of directors hired Garner Economics of Atlanta to gather input from the local business, education, nonprofit and local government sectors toward the development of an economic development strategy for the area. Garner issued its report to the chamber in January 2012, which lead to the hiring of Burkhardt last May. Establishing the Fox Cities EDC and launching Ignite Fox Cities means the region will be marketed more broadly, increasing awareness of its strong businesses and communities. “We have a good story to tell, but the fact is that no one is out there telling it,” said Burkhardt. “In addition, we have the challenge that no one outside the region knows of the Fox Cities, as that name does not appear on a map.” One of the goals is to continuously stimulate the Fox Cities’ primary job base through business development so it thrives and grows. Primary employers are companies that get most

www.newnorthb2b.com

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT of their revenue from sales or services to customers outside of the area, which brings new dollars into the local economy. “It is this activity alone that provides the support for the retail, service and professional sectors of the local economy,” noted Burkhardt. He outlined two principal activities the FCEDC is undertaking to accomplish job-base stimulation: retention and expansion of existing industry and attraction of new industry. “Given the fact that on a national level statistically some

“

We have the challenge that no one outside the region knows of the Fox Cities, as that name does not appear on a map.

”

Larry Burkhardt, executive vice president, Fox Cities Economic Development Corp. 70 percent of new job creation comes from the growth of existing companies, we intend to establish productive working relationships with existing primary employers to assure that they have access to the resources they need to remain competitive, grow their businesses, and in the process add more jobs,” explained Burkhardt. “This work involves a program of structured, on-site visits to the CEOs of our local companies to explore expansion or contraction plans, problems, challenges, opportunities, etc., as well as areas where the FCEDC may be of assistance.” The program for attracting new companies addresses four sectors: food processing, quality business services, transportation equipment manufacturing, and innovative technologies. “This area has seen success in all four of these industry sectors, so our efforts will be to build on that success by working to attract additional OEMs as well as suppliers to these sectors,” said Burkhardt. The FCEDC is coordinating its endeavors with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., The New North, Fox Cities Economic Development Partnership and the local brokerage community, Burkhardt noted. He also said the agency is developing a website geared toward site selectors, with a GIS-enabled, searchable real estate function.

Community impact Through 2017, the Fox Cities EDC hopes this activity will lead to 1,200 additional primary jobs in the Fox Cities. Such employment growth could generate an economic impact of $141 million each year, including $4.7 million in new property taxes. “My personal goal and that of my staff is to far exceed these goals, which were established prior to our hiring,” said Burkhardt. The short- and long-term community impact of the job-creation program will be measured by the number of new jobs, capital investment by employers, and the increase in community-assessed valuation and per-capita income.

NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013 l 29

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

LIVE HERE. GIVE HERE. “We love to give back to our community.” Wayne and Suzanne Youngwirth, of Oshkosh

We trust the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation to help us direct our charitable giving in the community we love. The Community Foundation has its finger on the pulse of what the needs are in Oshkosh. The staff provides the resources and tools to grow our fund and support the causes that we’re so passionate about.

“In the final analysis, the goal is to assure that the community remains a quality place to live, offers meaningful employment opportunities, and is on a path of continual improvement,” added Burkhardt. Through Ignite Fox Cities, the FCEDC has reached almost 75 percent of its yearly fundraising goal. “We are fortunate to have over 40 public and private sector companies and local governments stepping forward to fund the program,” Burkhardt noted. BMO Harris Bank in Appleton is among those providing financial support, and District President William Braun is promoting Ignite Fox Cities through local media and networking with fellow business executives because he believes in the initiative’s investment in ongoing job creation, communities, families and the future. “Overall, we will enhance the overall quality of life in the region and give our children the opportunity for a sustainable and prosperous future,” said Braun. “Past economic development efforts were modest because there was not a dedicated economic development officer or adequate funding. This is a comprehensive, aggressive economic development strategy.” Sharon Hulce, president/CEO of Employment Resource Group in Appleton, is on the Ignite Fox Cities steering committee and focuses on involving employers through funding or sharing knowledge and connections. “We have a great wealth of knowledge right here in our backyard that can help this initiative to be wildly successful.” The timing of the Garner Report findings and the $66.5 million facilities expansion plan at Fox Valley Technical College “couldn’t be better,” Hulce remarked. “The two match up perfectly, which has an added benefit to future and existing employers. What it means is we will have the best and brightest training at FVTC with state-of-the-art innovation, and offer those employers a ‘work-ready’ workforce to draw from right here. With the work ethic we are known for in Wisconsin, this alone could be a game changer.”

Opportunity Oshkosh Partners v Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce v City of Oshkosh v Winnebago County v Chamco Inc. v University of Wisconsin Oshkosh v Fox Valley Technical College v Oshkosh Convention & Visitors Bureau

230 Ohio Street Oshkosh, WI 54902 920.426.3993 www.OshkoshAreaCF.org

30 l NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013

v Fox Valley Workforce Development Board v Town of Algoma v Town of Black Wolf v Town of Oshkosh

www.newnorthb2b.com

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Opportunity Oshkosh Further to the south, the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce took the lead role in developing a collaborative marketing initiative, dubbed Opportunity Oshkosh, in which various community organizations are working to jointly advance the city’s economic base. “Collectively, we saw a need to develop a proactive marketing campaign specifically designed to improve and enhance the image of the city as an excellent place to locate, expand and grow business,” said John Casper, president and CEO of the chamber. The effort contains two initial components, Casper explained. In addition to the Opportunity Oshkosh marketing campaign, there is also a business and industry cluster analysis for which the Chamber commissioned NorthStar Consulting and Economic Growth Advisors of Madison. “The results of this study will assist us in targeting our ongoing marketing efforts and resources to the types of business and industry that Oshkosh can best support,” Casper said. Both components are funded by the partners. An additional grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration has underwritten half of the cost of the business and industry cluster analysis. “Our goals are to expand the economic base, increase private sector investment, grow the tax base of the community and create employment opportunities,” said Casper. “There has been an advertising buy in regional business publications featuring Oshkosh-area CEOs discussing the advantages of conducting business in Oshkosh.” Dan Hietpas, president of Muza Metal Products, has been active in promoting Opportunity Oshkosh. “This initiative is so important because we need to change the image that Oshkosh is not business- and developmentfriendly,” said Hietpas. “There is a lot of effort from the chamber and the city to change that image, and we need to inform and educate potential businesses that Oshkosh has a lot to offer, and what those benefits are.” Everyone who lives and works in the Fox Cities and Oshkosh has both a professional and personal stake in the region’s economic status. “I want a great life for my 13-year-old daughter,” Hulce explained as part of her reason for getting involved with Ignite Fox Cities. “The paper industry isn’t what it once was and I just don’t think we can sit back and hope that our existing employers can keep our local economy vibrant alone. In my opinion, it is right for the chamber of commerce to lead an effort to make the quality of the business climate as robust as possible, by not only helping those here to grow, but by bringing in new industry to replace those we will lose over time.” Robin Bruecker has 16 years experience in magazine and marcom writing. Contact her at robinbrueck@yahoo.com.

Further economic enhancement in Oshkosh Early in 2012, business owners in Oshkosh asked the city’s common council to improve economic development in the city. The city hired Prager Group out of Illinois to conduct an assessment of the community’s economic development assets. Since economic development staff and resources are scattered among the city, the chamber of commerce, and Chamco, the city’s industrial development agency, the final report from Prager Group recommended creating one independent agency for more efficient business and accountable development services. Additionally, the study also recommended increased city investment in this economic development agency, with local businesses being more likely to contribute to an independent organization rather than a government-run or membershipbased organization. “This organization would be led by a board of directors that represent the business community and the public institutions that play a role in economic development,” explained Oshkosh City Manager Mark Rohloff. “Our business partners would include representatives from manufacturing, banking, service sector, real estate, transportation, utilities, technology, entrepreneurs, the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, and the media.” Public partners would include the City of Oshkosh, surrounding local governments, Winnebago County, UW Oshkosh, Fox Valley Technical College and Wittman Regional Airport, along with the community’s philanthropic and faith-based organizations. The Prager Report praised Oshkosh for “pulling together for economic development initiatives when it really matters, such as when we supported Oshkosh Corporation in its bid to build its e-coat facility in order to secure a contract to produce its FMTV line of trucks,” Rohloff said. “However, it was pointed out that the real work of economic development is the proactive work of developing the economy from within with proactive efforts to encourage entrepreneurship and business expansion. I believe that by bringing together all of our economic development stakeholders, both public and private, we will be able to better deliver economic development services to our community.” Oshkosh City Council member Steve Herman noted the report from Prager Group identified the best model for the Oshkosh area is one owned, embraced and supported by the entire community. “We as a city have a responsibility to help bring in businesses and organizations that provide a good tax base and good jobs which will help grow our tax base,” said Herman. “The City of Oshkosh cannot take this on by themselves. We need the stakeholders who are currently working on economic development and others who are working to bring good jobs and businesses to the Oshkosh area. We need them all to come to the table to make the public-private partnership work for economic development.” - by Robin Driessen Bruecker

NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013 l 31

Inspired by Innovation Congratulations to Oshkosh attorney Jim Macy, Best Lawyers’ 2013 Green Bay Labor Law & Employment Law Management "Lawyer of the Year."

The Whole Package With the help of Chamco and some local banks, my partners and I were able to purchase Marvel Manufacturing, expand the facility and keep sixty-six jobs in Oshkosh. Through the Chamber, we secured development funds to create more jobs and provide training for new equipment and processes. That gave us the confidence to bring several products we were having produced in China, back to the U.S. All the resources are here to be successful—the land, the workforce, or quality of life. Oshkosh is the kind of place you’d want to build your company. It’s the whole package. John Petek

President, Marvel Manufacturing Inc.

The Opportunity Oshkosh marketing campaign is a collaborative public/private partnership designed to enhance economic development and promote job growth within the greater Oshkosh area.

For retail, commercial or industrial opportunities, Oshkosh makes business happen! - OpportunityOshkosh.com

32 l NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013

www.newnorthb2b.com

GUEST COMMENTARY

Job numbers don’t depict entire story Range of indicators combine to measure Wisconsin’s economic health

Tom Still President Wisconsin Technology Council

For reasons rooted more in politics than economics, much of the debate over Wisconsin’s relative economic standing has revolved around job creation: Is the state on track (or not) to create the 250,000 jobs set as a four-year goal by Gov. Scott Walker during his 2010 campaign for governor? While no one can deny that raw job creation is one vital sign for Wisconsin’s health, the debate shouldn’t overlook other measures that help quantify and qualify how the state is doing. Here are a few examples of other economic indicators that can assist policymakers – and citizens – in taking the state’s economic pulse: Quality of jobs: The latest monthly estimates from the state Department of Workforce Development shows the unemployment rate at 6.6 percent, the lowest mark since late 2008, and 4,500 privatesector jobs were added to the workforce in December 2012. That’s good news, but what also matters over time is the type of jobs being created – and what they pay. Despite some upward movement in recent years, Wisconsin per capita income is about $700 behind the U.S. average, according to the Census Bureau, and total household income lags by roughly $400. That would indicate Wisconsin needs to create more jobs at the higher end of the spectrum. “Knowledge” job creation: Part of the quality measure is the number of jobs created in growth sectors of the national economy. That often means jobs tied to information technology and other technology jobs that require skilled workers. According to the 2011 Cyberstates report of the TechAmerica Foundation, Wisconsin lost about the same number of tech jobs (1 percent) as it lost in its overall workforce in 2010. However, it added jobs in software publishing, where the state now ranks 10th among the 50 states, and electromedical equipment, where it ranks third. Wisconsin is also 11th in electronic components. Wisconsin’s reported high-tech payroll in 2010 was $5.2 billion, or 22nd nationwide. Company creation: Figures from the state Department of Financial Institutions showed 35,988 new business entities were created in 2012, up 8.4 percent from 2011 and the highest total since 2007, when the total was 33,164. Getting behind those numbers is the trick. Many of the “entities” created are on paper only, such as

some LLCs. That means counting the actual number of companies created – even if it’s only one person – is important. Wisconsin has historically lagged in company startups but there are signs of a turnaround. Why is company creation so important? All net new jobs in the United States are created by young firms, according to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Exports and foreign direct investment: Exports by Wisconsin companies and investments by non-U.S. companies in Wisconsin produce a more balanced, profitable economy, and add to job creation over time. The state continues to outperform national growth in exports and foreign companies are increasingly investing in the state. In fact, Wisconsin was on pace in late 2012 to set a record for state exports – probably in excess of $23 billion. Industrial machinery, vehicles, farm products, electrical machinery and medical equipment were leading the way. Investment in R&D: Wisconsin’s production of patents, which protect the intellectual property of companies and individuals, continues to out-perform the nation on a per capita basis. Also, academic research and development spending remains high, although UW-Madison slipped back a notch to fourth in the United States in the most recent National Science Foundation statistics. What ultimately matters, however, is how that research is translated into companies and jobs. Improving that performance over time is a priority for a number of players, including the university system itself. Economists also examine many other indicators, including workforce education levels, angel and venture capital investments, and poverty rates in trying to assess how any given economy is performing. Raw jobs data is important, but it’s far from the only factor and not an indicator so exclusive that every month-to-month rise – or fall – is worth celebrating or lamenting. For policymakers and citizens alike, keeping a broader range of indicators in mind is critical, even if political noise sometimes clouds the picture. Still is president of the Wisconsin Technology Council. He is the former associate editor of the Wisconsin State Journal.

NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013 l 33

Subscribe to B2B Online and win! Enjoy every great issue of New North B2B from your smartphone, tablet or PC - FREE! Sign up for a digital subscription to B2B Online during the month of February and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $50 chamber gift certificate, good at hundreds of businesses across northeast Wisconsin. To subscribe, simply log on to newnorthb2b.com, click Online Issue, then hit Subscribe! You’ll need a valid email address to create an account. Sign up even if you already receive the print version you’ll still be entered into the drawing. Tell your co-workers, tell your neighbors, tell everyone.

Get on board with B2B Online! It’s free!

PROFESSIONALLY SPEAKING

Effective Succession Planning by Thome Benefit Solutions Your business is not just your pride and joy but a major source of income for you, your family, and your employees. While the business is a large part of your life today, the reality is that someday you may want to retire, step back from the business to concentrate on new ventures or you could become disabled or unexpectedly pass away. What would happen to your business if you were no longer around to run it? Putting an effective succession plan into place allows you to take the guesswork out of transferring ownership, and provides peace of mind that your business, and your family, is taken care of. If you’re like most business owners, you may plan to pass your business on to your family or sell it to co-owners. Ninety percent of the 21 million U.S. businesses are family owned. Yet only 30 percent of family-run companies today succeed into the second generation, and only 15 percent Kate Thome

920.215.3262

survive into the third (Source:SBA.gov). What constitutes an effective succession plan depends on your particular objectives. Every plan begins with you deciding how you want to transfer your business. Based on those objectives, there are many strategies that can help you assure a smooth and complete transition of your business to new management and can control the tax burden for the new owners. Without a succession plan, the effect on your heirs, your estate and your business could be devastating.

While this communication may be used to promote or market a transaction or an idea that is discussed in the publication, it is intended to provide general information about the subject matter covered and is provided with the understanding that The Principal is not rendering legal, accounting, or tax advice. It is not a marketed opinion and may not be used to avoid penalties under the Internal Revenue Code. You should consult with appropriate counsel or other advisors on all matters pertaining to legal, tax, or accounting obligations and requirements. “Professionally Speaking” is a proKate Thome is a Financial Representamotional spot for business professionals tive of Principal National Life Insurance to share their expertise with New North Company and Principal Life Insurance B2B readers. To learn more about how Company, Principal National (except in your business can take advantage of opNew York) and Principal Life are issuing insurance companies of the Principal Fi- portunities with Professionally Speaking, nancial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392. contact Carrie at 920.237.0254 or email carrie@newnorthb2b.com. Kate can be reached at 920/215-3262.

• High Quality Offset Printing • Large Format Laminating • Full-Color Digital Printing

• Variable Data Printing

• High-Speed Digital Printing • Direct Mailing • Large Format Printing

• Envelope Printing

• Full Color Banners

• Die-Cutting and Embossing

• Layout & Design

• Full Service Bindery

120 North Lake Street • Neenah, WI • 920-729-6119 • www.digiprint.biz NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013 l 35

WHO’S NEWS Incorporations New North B2B publishes monthly new business incorporations filed with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.

Brown County

Creamery Coffee LLC, Pamela Jean Schmitz, 2373 Berkley Road, De Pere 54115. Waste Liquid Recovery Technology LLC, Ronald Van Den Heuvel, 2077B Lawrence Dr., De Pere 54115. Daron Hardin’s Whip City Auto Sales LLC, Mary Ellen Haas, 1926 Dallas Lane, De Pere 54115. A1 Self-Storage of De Pere LLC, Donald D. Niespodzany, 3879 Packerland Dr., De Pere 54115. C-Mart LLC, Matt Shimon, 5874 State Road 29, Denmark 54208. Green Energy Partners Central Wisconsin Regional Center LP, Robyn Larsen, 6601 County Road R, Denmark 54208. Probate Services LLC, Mary R. Kudick, 18129 Lyons Road, Denmark 54208. Welcome Home New Inc., Kenneth J. Bukowski, 1350 Avondale Dr., Green Bay 54313. Orrie DeCaster Dressage LLC, Oriana DeCaster, 2961 St. Pat’s Dr., Green Bay 54313. Herb Blue’s Total Self Defense LLC, Herbert E. Blue, 2731 N. Packerland Dr., Green Bay 54303. The New Fraudmonitor LLC, Jerry Martin Eber, 475 Deey Decker Dr., Green Bay 54313. Dragon Way Foods LLC, Chau Ping Shek, 1520 Ashley Ct., Green Bay 54313. Marketing Consultants Group LLC, Ronnie Schmidt, 101 S. Military Ave., Green Bay 54303. Mayco Industrial LLC, Jameson J. Shipley, 1851 Allouez Ave., Green Bay 54311. Speyco Manufacturing LLC, Timothy L. Pantzlaff, 1851 Allouez Ave., Green Bay 54311. MG Auto Body LLC, Jose Jesus Morales, 1931 Cofrin Dr., Green Bay 54302. Natural Skin Care LLC, Jeffrey Donald Quass, 4072 Hackberry Ct., Green Bay 54311. Frozen Tundra Promotions LLC, Wendy A. Holland, 1611 Coronation Ct., Green Bay 54313. East Mason Auto LLC, Javier A. Treminio, 1705 E. Mason St., Green Bay 54302. Posey Patch Retreat LLC, Cornelia Korpan, 1992 Sunny Brook Dr., Green Bay 54313. Kantola Custom Woodworks LLC, Jeffrey James Kantola, 2141 William Francis Ct., Green Bay 54311. Prentice Insurance Agency Inc., Brad Prentice, 1679 E. Mason St., Green Bay 54302. TAP Expediting Solutions LLC, Tracy Ann Papacosta, 2701 Bittersweet Ave., Green Bay 54301. Moreaux Flooring LLC, William J. Moreaux, 1014 Dousman St., Green Bay 54303. Ace Environmental LLC, Dustin Vanden Plas, 1010 S. New Franken Road, Green Bay 54311. JFT Grain Farm LLC, Phillip White, 4575 Anston Road, Green Bay 54313. TJ’s Home Building, Repair & Maintenance Inc., Troy Knaus, 2431 Ironwood Dr., Green Bay 54304. Guldan IT Services LLC, James Guldan, 1462 Russell St., Green Bay 54304. Indulge Catering LLC, Jacqueline Marie Gillespie, 2805 Viking Drive, #105, Green Bay 54304. Ultimate Keepsakes LLC, Rhonda Graper, 3426 Weatherwood Lane, Green Bay 54311. 36 l NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013

Ryan’s Farm Services LLC, Ryan M. Folkman, 424 N. Locust St., Green Bay 54303. D & R Recycling LLC, Dean M. Hurt, 2767 W. Mason St., Apt. 5, Green Bay 54303. Seasonal Comfort HVAC LLC, Steven L. Amore, 2213 Patty Lane, Green Bay 54304. Greg’s Auto LLC, Greg Lee Vandewettering, 7165 County Road D, Greenleaf 54126. TT Nails LLC, Shane J. Lintner, 430 Cardinal Lane, Howard 54313. A-Z Professional Computer Services LLC, James Andre Gardner, 875 Sunbeam Cir., Oneida 54155. Barstow Elder Law Center S.C., Jonathan P. Barstow, 2405 Crown Pointe Blvd., Suamico 54173. Four Seasons Hot Tubs and Spas LLC, Ricky Lemmen, 2780 Deerfield Ave. East, Suamico 54173. Foxxie Fitness and Wellness LLC, Dulcie Rebecca BosiSchmidt, 220 Green St., Wrightstown 54180.

Fond du Lac County

R.S.J. Farms LLC, Robert G. Crofts, N4587 Sheehan Lake Lane, Campbellsport 53010. Absolute Race Timing LLC, Dirk Brandt, W2415 Rustic Dr., Campbellsport 53010. Tom’s Tax Service LLC, Thomas Elliot Hinchliffe, W432 Clement Cir., Campbellsport 53010. Omni Careers and Staffing Services LLC, Tracy Chartier, W4806 Fulton St., Fond du Lac 54935. Furniture Masters Sales and Service LLC, Ronald Masters, 774 Security Dr., Fond du Lac 54935. Photo Booth’s of Wisconsin LLC, Mathhew Nehring, 812 Ellis St., Fond du Lac 54935. Nehring Limousine LLC, Matthew Nehring, 812 Ellis St., Fond du Lac 54935. E-Tan Transportation LLC, John P. Wehner, W3547 Hillside Cir., Malone 53049. Breeze Dairy Group LLC, Brian L. Gerrits, W2651 Kiel Road, Malone 53049. Fondy Fusion Fastpitch LLC, Thomas Walentoski, 794 Saint Michael St., Mount Calvary 53057. Prairie Assisted Living Inc., Jeremiah Grothe, 749 E. Oshkosh St., Ripon 54971. Vintage Ridge Vineyard LLC, Steven Thiede, 905 E. Main St., Waupun 53963. Golden Cup 2 Cafe LLC, Arif Topalovski, 201 Fond du Lac St., Waupun 53963. Jan’s Optical LLC, Teresa Ruch, 223 E. Main St., Waupun 53963.

Oconto County

JT Photographs LLC, Joshua Michael Thompson, 6529 Reim Road, Abrams 54101. Johnny G Motorsports LLC, Kathryn F. Greaves, 4149 Deprey Road, Abrams 54101. Lemirande Motorsports LLC, Cory Lemirande, 4648 Winding Creek Tr., Abrams 54101. Virtues Farms LLC, Yvonne Virtues, 1932 Hereford Road, Little Suamico 54141. Your New Fitness Inc., Glenn Gajeski, 5639 Executive Cir., Little Suamico 54141.

Outagamie County

Tattoos By Kani LLC, Koua Xiong, 1716 W. Cloverdale Dr., Appleton 54914. Aniol’s Painting and Janitorial LLC, Deborah Aniol, N107 Kamkes St., Appleton 54915. Welhouse Farms LLC, Rebecca Welhouse, 100 W. Lawrence St.,

www.newnorthb2b.com

WHOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEWS 4th Fl., Appleton 54911. Laughing Fox Community Supported Agriculture LLC, Justin Timmers, 17 Hollyhock Ct., Appleton 54914. Infinity Sky Athletics LLC, Ying Vue, 2408 W. Nordale Dr., Appleton 54914. Brandon Food Machinery Consulting LLC, Robert Griffiths Brandon, 20 Bittersweet Ct., Appleton 54914. Eastern Wisconsin Locally Grown LLC, Frederic H. Depies, 3000 Apostolic Dr., Appleton 54913. Asset Recovery International LLC, John Wolters, 314 E. Wilson Ave., Appleton 54915. S & D Plastering LLC, David L. Bork, 3105 W. Heritage, Appleton 54914. Meadowview Kennels LLC, Gregory Lyle Harrison, W4999 Rock Road, Appleton 54913. Florence Auto Parts Inc., Michael Kelly, W2906 County Road JJ, Appleton 54911. Master Spa Parts Inc., Keith W. Hueffner, 2140 W. Wisconsin Ave., Ste. B, Appleton 54914. KB Counseling LLC, Kami Ward, 3405 Commerce Ct., Ste. F, Appleton 54911. R+J Cleaning Services Inc., Lindsey N. Dill, 2201 S. Fountain Way, Appleton 54915. Tri-County Maintenance Supply LLC, Anthony P. Knuppel, 1708 E. Wisconsin Ave., Appleton 54911. Live Oak Advocacy Services LLC, Kimberly Marie Massey, 620 N. Rankin St., Appleton 54911. KI Nutrition & Wellness LLC, Becky Lynn Olejniczak, 3020 E. College Ave., Appleton 54915. Mary Kay H. Predayna, CPA LLC, Mary Kay Heezen Predayna, 1016 E. Parkridge Ave., Appleton 54911. Freedom Woodworks LLC, Barnaby F. Tomazevic, N4289 Panoramic Ave., Freedom 54913. Fox Valley House 2 Home LLC, Aren J. Greiner, W1928 County Road S, Freedom 54131. DZ Delivery & Transport LLC, Daniel W. Zeratsky, W6999 Angel Hill Dr., Greenville 54942. Paladin IT Services LLC, Thomas J. Curtis, 172 Lamp Lighter Dr., Kaukauna 54130. New Guys Pub LLC, Greg Manteuffel, W2074 Vans Ct., Kaukauna 54130. Americas Preferred Construction LLC, Troy Michael Kugel, 1715 Buchanan St., Little Chute 54140. G and Z Farms LLC, Gary Kropp, N9171 County Y, Seymour 54165. Kerri the Weaver LLC, Kerri A. Samson, 647 E. Pearl St., Seymour 54165.

Winnebago County

Le Reve Hair Salon LLC, Kendra Schmidt, 1117 Woodland Dr., Menasha 54952. Triplegreen Wireless & More LLC, Shahid Smith, 397 Elm St., Menasha 54952. Rochon Excavating LLC, Arthur Rochon, 1223 Appleton Road, Menasha 54952. Packerland Restoration and Remodeling LLC, David Dwayne Houser, 1135 Melissa St., Menasha 54952. Horns A Plenty Christmas Ltd., Donald D. Krause, 1437 Shreve Lane, Neenah 54956. Project Complete Services LLC, Jeremy B. Giebel, 247 Washington Ave., Neenah 54956. Hersey River Soap Co. LLC, Brent M. Williams, 1576 Dalebrook Dr., Neenah 54956. Dedering Electric LLC, Andrew Jay Dedering, 137 Hazel St., Neenah 54956. Fox Valley Outdoor Enthusiasts LLC, Nathalia A. Wagner, 6131 Green Valley Road, Neenah 54956. Hitters Count Swing Lab LLC, Jeff Kurtis Hogenson, 976 American Dr., Ste. 15, Neenah 54956. Innovative Machining LLC, John W. Milanowski, 550 Commerce Ct., Neenah 54956. Lady Crown Studios LLC and Lady Crown Glass LLC, Karen Rose Crown, 913 McKinley Ave., Omro 54963. Buser Cattle Company LLC, John Frank Buser, 6440 Wiesner Road, Omro 54963. Hysterical Productions Inc., Angela Ferlo, 724 Woodland Ave., Oshkosh 54901. Brennand Airport LLC, L. Keith Mustain, 4705 Indian Bend Road, Oshkosh 54904. Oshkosh Plating Technologies Inc., Lonilee M. Johnson, 1228 W. South Park Ave., Oshkosh 54902. Active Vision Media LLC, Graham Robert Murray, 3200 N. Main St., Oshkosh 54901. Bit Built Technologies LLC, Jacob W. Fischer, 2825 Commander Ct., Oshkosh 54901. Bickert Plating Company LLC, Roderick Bickert III, 1290 Williams Road, Pickett 54964. Fox Valley Laser Hair Removal LLC, Leah Locke, 10 S. 2nd St., Winneconne 54986. Untouchable Exteriors & Construction LLC, Andrew James Carter, 170 Jefferson St., Winneconne 54986.

NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013 l 37

WHO’S NEWS Building permits B2B includes a monthly list of building permits (not to include residential projects) in excess of $400,000.

a buildout of the fifth floor of the west tower to the hospital. General contractor is C.D. Smith Construction of Fond du Lac. December 28.

Mergers/acquisitions

Mercury Marine, 600 W. Pioneer Road, Fond du Lac. $420,860 for an addition to the shipping and receiving area. General contractor is C.D. Smith Construction of Fond du Lac. December 3.

Menasha Packaging Company in Neenah acquired Rand Diversified of Edison, N.J. Rand Diversified focuses on contract packaging and has extensive experience with the federal Food & Drug Administration and Drug Enforcement Administration.

Watermark Building, 115 Pine St., Green Bay. $660,000 to remodel the fifth floor of the building for offices. General contractor is Ganther Construction of Oshkosh. December 5.

Water-Right Inc. in Appleton acquired CustomCare Water Technologies of Neenah. CustomCare will continue as a division of Water-Right.

Glass Nickel Pizza, 414 Dousman St., Green Bay. $510,000 to renovate the existing building for a new restaurant. General contractor is James J. Calmes Construction Co. of Kaukauna. December 7.

WS Packaging Group, Inc. of Green Bay acquired Label World of Rochester, N.Y. Label World specializes in pressure-sensitive labels and flexible packaging printing.

Big Rig Chrome Shop, 3735 S. Washburn St., Oshkosh. $1,006,227 for an 18,192-sq. ft. retail building and warehouse. General contractor is Keller Inc. of Kaukauna. December 13.

FulfillNet Inc. in Ashwaubenon acquired Firehouse Graphics LLC of Green Bay. Firehouse specializes in large-format printing and prototype development.

Convenience Store, 2535 Babcock Road, Ashwaubenon. $500,000 for a new fuel station and convenience store. Contractor is KSK C-Store Construction Inc. of Michigan. December 15.

Menasha-based McClone Insurance acquired Burkart-Heisdorf Insurance Agency Inc. of Sheboygan, which also has offices in Mount Horeb and Green Lake.

Business honors

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Alumni Welcome & Conference Center, 625 Pearl Ave., Oshkosh. $6,513,188 for a two-story, 40,000sq. ft. welcome center. General contractor is Miron Construction Co. of Neenah. December 27.

Awards and honors earned by individuals are listed separately in the Who’s News section of New North B2B.

St. Agnes Hospital, 430 E. Division St., Fond du Lac. $4,768,000 for

KI in Green Bay earned the Green Master designation from the Wisconsin

The Face of a Keller Customer Our Valued Customer.

Without them we would be nothing. This is the face of our company we treasure most. The big smile on the face of someone we just helped to expand their business, remodel their office or build them a business where they can be more productive, effective and happy. People like Al Zierler, CEO of Capital Credit Union, who has chosen Keller for 12 building projects across Northeast Wisconsin. Al has a face we love, not only because it has a big smile, but because time and time again he trusts the design/build experts at Keller to put that smile on his face. We are Employee-Owned, Design/Build Experts. But don’t just take us at face value, call today and experience for yourself the difference that is Keller, Inc.

Al Zierle r, CEO Capital C redit Un ion

Construction Excellence Since 1960

1.800.236.2534 l www.kellerbuilds.com Offices in the Fox Cities, Madison, Milwaukee & Wausau 38 l NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013

FACE of Keller

www.newnorthb2b.com

WHO’S NEWS Sustainable Business Council. Only about 25 companies in the state have achieved the highest-level Green Master designation.

2010, Abatjoglou was CEO of eWebHealth, Inc. He is a certified public accountant with previous public accounting experience at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Associated General Contractors awarded Hurckman Mechanical Industries, Inc. of Green Bay a 2012 Build Wisconsin Award in the HVAC category for its work at Northcentral Technical College’s Wood Technology Center in Green Bay.

Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP in Appleton promoted Abby Liebergen to senior accountant for its retail services team. She joined the firm in 2008 and specializes in tax preparation and planning.

Skyline Technologies of Appleton and Green Bay received the Pedestal Partner Award from Tech Data as a result of the rapid growth of its Microsoft Office 365 practice during the past year. Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership presented its Design of the Year Award to Commonwealth Construction Corp. of Fond du Lac for its renovation of Immanuel Trinity Church into Trinity Restaurant and Hall.

New hires The Small Business Development Center at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh hired Colleen Merrill as its director. Merrill previously worked for the Business Success Center at UW Oshkosh. She also co-owns and operates a rental properties management business. Hospital Sisters Health System, Eastern Wisconsin and Prevea Health hired Jarod Husmann as director of therapy. Husmann most recently served as director of rehabilitation services and sports medicine at Aurora Medical Center in Manitowoc. Husmann is a fellow designate of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Reinhart Partners in Oshkosh hired Cassandra Knight as a relationship associate. Knight has more than 20 years experience in financial services, specifically in the areas of trust accounts, investment management and estate planning. She most recently worked as a personal trust assistant at Associated Trust Company.

Promotions J. F. Ahern Co. in Fond du Lac promoted Brandon Poehlein to service department manager of Ahern’s Special Hazards Group and Tyler Gumm to manager of the tools and equipment shop. Poehlein joined Ahern in 2006 as a field engineering technician and most recently served as a superintendent. Gumm has 18 years of industry experience, having previously served as a maintenance mechanic. IOD Inc. in Green Bay promoted George Abatjoglou from chief operating officer to CEO. Before joining IOD in

Oshkosh-based Clarity Care promoted Mary May to chief operating officer. May joined Clarity Care in 2008 and has been responsible for human resources, information technology and numerous lean initiatives. Prior to joining Clarity Care, May served as vice president and general manager at Mayville Engineering Co. and as manager of quality systems development for Mercury Marine. Network Health in Menasha promoted Penny Ransom to chief administrative officer. Ransom joined Network Health two years ago as vice president of marketing and since has overseen the company’s strategic initiatives, brand management, direct marketing, public relations, human resources, organization development and culture. Prior to joining Network Health, Ransom served as communications director at Health Alliance Medical Plans in Illinois. Appleton Coated LLC in Combined Locks promoted Darin Dodd to vice president of commercial sales and John Mazuroski to business development manager for the company’s technical and specialty products. Dodd has been with Appleton Coated for 17 years and has held key national sales and management roles.

Individual honors

Merrill

Husmann

Liebergen

Kip Golden, vice president of industrial business development for Miron Construction Co. in Neenah, was named Young Professional of the Year for 2012 by Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce. Jamie Babbitts, executive director of women’s and children’s services for Hospital Sisters Health System – Eastern Wisconsin, was named a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Ransom

Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership presented Friend of Downtown honors to Steve Schoofs of Excel Engineering in Fond du Lac and to Sam Meyer of State Farm Insurance – Sam Meyer Agency in Fond du Lac.

Certifications Green Bay-based Unity physicians Patricia Neuman, D.O. and Kafi Wilson, M.D. earned the Certificate of Added

Townsend

Babbitts

Wilson

Dodd

Neuman

NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013 l 39

BUSINESS CALENDAR Qualifications in Hospice & Palliative Medicine from the American Board of Medical Specialties. The CAQ designation recognizes excellence among certified physicians who emphasize the care of seriously ill and dying patients in their practice. Tanya Townsend, chief information officer for Hospital Sisters Health System – Eastern Wisconsin, earned the Certified Healthcare CIO designation from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives.

Business calendar New North B2B encourages businesses and organizations looking to attract interested persons to upcoming events to send an announcement to: New North B2B, Attn: Who’s News, P.O. Box 559, Oshkosh, WI 54903. For more events, log on to www.thenewnorthevents.com. February 5 Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Power Networking Breakfast, 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the chamber office, 300 N. Broadway in Green Bay. No cost to attend for chamber members. For information, call 920.437.8704 or email members@titletown.org. February 5 Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce A.M. Connect, 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the chamber building, 101 E. Wisconsin Ave. in Kaukauna. Presention on relationship building from Diane Roundy of Schenck, S.C. For more information, call 920.766.1616 or go online to www. heartofthevalleychamber.com.

February 6 Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce Coffee Connection, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at TEC Reset, 89 N. Pioneer Road in Fond du Lac. Cost to attend is $2 for AC members. For more information or to register, go online to www.fdlac.com or call 920.921.9500. February 7 Business over Breakfast, an event from Fox Valley Technical College Venture Center, 7:30 to 9 a.m. at D.J. Bordini Center, 5 Systems Dr. in Appleton. Cost to attend is $15 and includes breakfast. To register, call 920.735.5709 or email venture@fvtc.edu. February 7 Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce Annual Meeting, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Holiday Inn, 625 W. Rolling Meadows Dr. in Fond du Lac. Cost to attend is $35. For more information or to register, go online to www.fdlac.com or call 920.921.9500. February 12 Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce Sales Club, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the chamber building, 120 Jackson St. in Oshkosh. No cost to attend for chamber members. For information, call 920.303.2266 or go online to www.oshkoshchamber.com. February 12 Young Professionals of Fond du Lac Company Tour of MAG, located at 142 Doty St. in Fond du Lac. No cost to attend for YPF Members, and a $10 cost for nonmembers. For more information or to register, go online to www.ypfdl.com or call 920.921.9500. February 13 “Working Together,” a seminar on U.S. Small Business Administration 504 and SBA 7(a) program lending presented by Wisconsin Business Development, 8 to 11:45 a.m. at Hilton Garden Inn, 1355 W. 20th St. in Oshkosh. This event is directed toward financial professionals and highlights small business lending opportunities through the SBA 504 second mortgage loan program and the 7(a) guaranteed loan program. Cost to attend is $25. For more information or to register, go online to www.wbd.org or call 608.819.0390. February 13 Women in Management – Green Bay Chapter monthly meeting, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Best Western – Midway Hotel, 780 Armed Forces Dr. in Green Bay. For information or to register, go online to www.wimiwi.org. February 13 Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, 5 to 6:30 p.m. at YWCA, 230 S. Madison St. in Green Bay. Cost to attend is $5 for chamber members. For information, call 920.437.8704 or email members@titletown.org. February 13 Women in Management – Fond du Lac Chapter monthly meeting, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Holiday Inn, 625 W. Rolling Meadows Dr. in Fond du Lac. Program is “How to Workout at Work” presented by Derek Toshner of TNT Fitness. For more information or to register, go online to www. wimiwi.org. February 13 A.M. Oshkosh, a morning networking from the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, 7:45 to 9 a.m. at Continental Girbau, 2500 State Road 44 in Oshkosh. No cost to attend, but registration is required by going online to www.oshkoshchamber.com or calling 920.303.2266.

40 l NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013

www.newnorthb2b.com

BUSINESS CALENDAR February 14 Women in Management – Oshkosh Chapter monthly meeting, 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. at La Sure’s Banquet Hall, 3125 S. Washburn St. in Oshkosh. Presentation is “Economic Outlook/Forecast.” For more information or to register, go online to www.wimiwi.org or email Patty at pshea@ sheaelectricllc.com. February 20 Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Event, 5 to 8 p.m. at The Grand Meridian, 2621 N. Oneida St. in Appleton. Keynote speaker is Dave Anderson, founder of Famous Dave’s of America franchise. Cost to attend is $40 and includes dinner. For more information or to register, call 920.766.1616 or go online to www. heartofthevalleychamber.com. February 21 “Working Together,” a seminar on U.S. Small Business Administration 504 and SBA 7(a) program lending presented by Wisconsin Business Development, 8 to 11:45 a.m. at Ramada Plaza, 2750 Ramada Way in Green Bay. This event is directed toward financial professionals and highlights small business lending opportunities through the SBA 504 second mortgage loan program and the 7(a) guaranteed loan program. Cost to attend is $25. For more information or to register, go online to www.wbd.org or call 608.819.0390. February 26 Social Media Panelist Discussion, an event for Propel, Oshkosh’s young professionals group, 4:30 to 6:15 p.m. at Fox Valley Technical College, 150 N. Campbell Road in Oshkosh. For more information or to register, contact Megan at megan@oshkoshchamber.com or 920.303.2266. March 7 Business over Breakfast, an event from Fox Valley Technical College Venture Center, 7:30 to 9 a.m. at D.J. Bordini Center, 5 Systems Dr. in Appleton. Cost to attend is $15 and includes breakfast. To register, call 920.735.5709 or email venture@fvtc.edu.

Better Business Bureau New Members

Businesses accredited through the Northeast Wisconsin office during January 2013 Ameriprise Auto & Home Insurance, De Pere Bougie Roofing & Siding LLC, Freedom Complete Electric Service & Maintenance LLC, Suamico Cute Cockapoos, Iola Dan Gatz Construction LLC, De Pere Dance Machine Floors, Hobart E-Tailer Inc., Ephraim KBee Window & Siding LLC, Manitowoc Marshall Masonry, Plymouth Marytown Garage, New Holstein Matthews Tire, Appleton Polar Bear Carpentry LLC, Appleton Reetz Builders LLC, Appleton Riverview Plumbing LLC, Sheboygan Falls Rymer Heating LLC, Crivitz SuperWrench LLC, Kiel Valley Muffler & Brake, Menasha Van Boxtel RV and Auto LLC, Green Bay

to B2B in March

Coming Global Business

Resources to help achieve export market growth

Advertiser Index Bank First National www.bankfirstnational.com.................................. 22 Borsche Roofing Professionals www.wiroofer.com........................... 12 Builders Exchange of Wisconsin www.bxwi.com............................ 14 Capital Credit Union www.capitalcu.com.......................................... 7 CarePlus Dental Plans www.careplusdentalplans.com......................... 16 CitizensFirst Credit Union www.citizensfirst.com . ............................ 27 Davis & Kuelthau, s.c. www.dkattorneys.com............................... 5, 32 Digiprint www.digiprint.biz............................................................ 35 Fast Signs www.fastsigns.com....................................................... 29 First Business Bank www.firstbusiness.com. ...................................... 2 Fox Valley Savings Bank www.FVSBank.com................................... 29 Fox Valley Technical College www.fvtc.edu/bis. .............................. 20 Frontier Builders & Consultants www.frontierbuildersandconsultants.com.. 20 Guident Business Solutions www.guidentbusinesssolutions.com............ 22 Keller Inc. www.kellerbuilds.com. ................................................... 38 Marian University www.marianuniversity.edu..................................... 44 Network Health Plan www.networkhealth.com . ................................ 43 NEW Building & Construction Trades Council www.newbt.org.......... 13 NWTC Corporate Training & Economic Development www.corporatetraining.nwtc.edu........................................................... 8 Opportunity Oshkosh www.opportunityoshkosh.com............................ 32 Oshkosh Area Community Foundation www.oshkoshareacf.org.......... 30 Outagamie County Regional Airport www.atwairport.com. ................ 21 Sadoff & Rudoy Industries www.sadoff.com................................... 10 Security Luebke Roofing www.securityluebkeroofing.com. .................... 37 TEC www.tecmidwest.com. ............................................................ 23 Thome Benefit Solutions www.thomebenefitsolutions.com.................... 35 Tri City Glass & Door www.tricityglass-door.com................................ 25 UW Oshkosh College of Business www.mba.uwosh.edu................... 42 West Side Association www.westsideassociation.com......................... 26 Winnebago County Solid Waste Management www.co.winnebago.wi.us/solid-waste/container-rental-program. ..................... 40 Wisconsin Family Business Forum www.wfbf.uwosh.edu. ................. 25

NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013 l 41

KEY STATISTICS Per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline.

$3.19 January 13 $3.19 January 6 $3.21 December 30 $3.23 Jan. 20, 2012 $3.35 January 20

Source: New North B2B observations

December

954,000

12.1%

from November

36.9%

from December 2011 December

0.1%

December

$415.7 billion

0.5%

from November

4.7%

from December 2011

November Oct. Nov. ‘11

December

98.1

2.2%

from December 2011

Source: Integrys Energy

(Manufacturers and trade)

(Numbers above 50 mean expansion. Numbers below 50 mean contraction.)

November

$1,622 billion

0.3%

from November 2011

7.8% 7.8% 9.0% 7.9% 6.6% 6.5%

$0.746 December $0.799 Jan. 2012 $0.821

from November

from December 2011

6.6% 6.1% 7.6% 7.2% 5.7% 5.7%

January

0.3%

from October

7.3% 6.8% 8.3% 7.6% 6.2% 6.3%

Prices for small businesses using less than 20,000 therms. Listed price is per therm.

(2007 = 100)

from November

1.5%

Appleton Fond du Lac Green Bay Neenah Oshkosh Wisconsin

December

November

5.5%

50.7 49.5

If there are indicators you’d like to see in this space, contact our office at 920.237.0254 or email info@newnorthb2b.com.

professionals ...where

emerge as

leaders.

One Master of Business Administration Degree.

Two Paths. Professional & Executive. Thinking about getting your MBA? Choose the path that fits your level of experience, career goals and time commitment. Discover how our Professional MBA could be right for you or find out about our new Executive MBA in Appleton starting in Fall 2013. For more information, call 920-424-3199 or toll-free 800-633-1430 or visit uwosh.edu/go/mba.

Holly Brenner, BBA ‘98, MBA ‘09 Director of Marketing & Business Development Agnesian HealthCare, Fond du Lac

42 l NEW NORTH B2B l FEBRUARY 2013

www.newnorthb2b.com

INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE. WHAT’S THAT?

AT NETWORK HEALTH, WE SPEAK YOUR LANGUAGE. If you’re buying health insurance for yourself or your family, shouldn’t you understand what you’re getting? Meet Network Health, a different kind of health plan. We understand it requires more than just words and language, but also a commitment to customer service to break through industry clutter and confusion. Let us help you today.

Networkhealth.com/EndTheJargon 855-275-1400 HMO plans underwritten by Network Health Plan. POS plans underwritten by Network Health Insurance Corporation, or Network Health Insurance Corporation and Network Health Plan. Self-funded HMO and POS plans administered by Network Health Plan.

Inspiring your potential

Marian University continues to inspire adult learners. At Marian University, we know business and industry in Wisconsin because our faculty, students, and graduates have helped shape the state’s business landscape. As a Marian student pursuing your Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree, you’ll find the convenience of a program designed with your needs in mind.

BBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management Courses are 100% online, with two courses at a time over a period of seven weeks. This degree will give you the preparation you need to advance up the professional ladder whether it’s in production, pricing, distribution, or training and resource management.

45 S. National Ave. l Fond du Lac, WI 54935 l 1-800-2-MARIAN l www.marianuniversity.edu/business Founded 1936 • Sponsored by the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes