May 2014
From the President By Aaron Kapellusch As I continue my journey here at the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce I am simply amazed by the strength and involvement of our membership. My first Small Business Week was a whirlwind of activity and such a positive experience. When I met with my predecessor, Jeff Zriny, last year, we talked about key annual events at the Chamber and his eyes lit up when he spoke about the hallowed week here at the Chamber. It was impossible to understand what he was talking about until I experienced it firsthand. There is much work that starts again the minute the week is over and continues throughout the entire year and I want to extend my thanks to our wonderful staff here at the Chamber, as well as the countless volunteers, sponsors, and attendees who make Small Business Week one of the highlights of the year. While this packed week is full of learning, networking, and goodwill in our business community, it’s only a small part of what we have to offer here at the Chamber. It is our mission to provide you, our members, with value and a good return on your investment. We
In this issue . . . • • • • • • • •
E3YP Member News Business Advocacy Small Business Week Ambassador of the Month Volunteer Spotlight New Members Ribbon Cuttings
continue to increase our educational programming to make sure there is something that appeals to everyone. We have a number of series targeted to different demographics of our membership. If you haven’t attended one of Aaron Kapellusch our events lately, please consider doing so; if you have any ideas about what might be a great fit for you, please feel free to contact me anytime. Our new Young Professionals group, E3 Young Professionals (E3YP), had a kick-off informational meeting last week and I was blown away by the 146 individuals who attended to learn more. I met many young professionals who had not previously participated in Chamber events and I watched business connections being made. The Chamber spent the last six months learning what other Chambers across the state and country are doing to provide value to their young professionals. We pulled together a steering committee, comprised of 20 Under Forty award winners and other young professionals, to lay out a framework for the E3YP program. Last week’s kick-off is only the beginning. The purpose of E3YP is to engage young professionals with each other, the community, and businesses; to empower young professionals with leadership opportunities and development tools to grow; and to excite young professionals to work, play, and stay in
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From the President the Wausau region. E3YP is designed to collaborate with, and not duplicate the efforts of, other successful programs in the region. By focusing on workforce development, E3YP is aimed at providing professional development, networking, mentorship, and an overall feeling of community for all young business professionals in the region. Our goal is to help attract, retain, and meet the unique needs of young professionals in the Wausau region and help
them become the regional leaders of the future. As we gear up for the summer and some warmer weather (finally!), things here at the Chamber are already heating up for a great rest of the year. I’ll be documenting my travels around the area to member businesses and Chamber events through my twitter handle: @AaronWRCCPrez.Feel free to follow me and stop by and say hello when I’m out and about our great region!
E3YP
The kick-off event for E3 Young Professionals was a resounding success! 146 young professionals from the Wausau Region gathered at Jalapeño’s Mexican Restaurante & Bar, LLC for a great night of networking and to be introduced to the E3YP program, Membership Drive, and upcoming events.
The purpose of E3YP is to Engage young professionals with each other, the community, and businesses; to Empower young professionals with leadership opportunities and development tools to grow; and to Excite young professionals to work, play, and stay in the Wausau region.
E3 Young Professionals (E3YP) is a workforce development initiative developed by the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce (WRCC). The initiative was launched and designed to help attract, retain, and meet the unique needs of young professionals (ages 21-45) in the Wausau region. Young Professionals do not have to work for a Chamber member in order to become an E3YP member.
WRCC President, Aaron Kapellusch, spoke about the drive behind the young professionals program, saying, “If you look at the history of Wausau, it was led by groups of visionaries who built the region when they were [young professionals]. Chamber members – your employers – value you, your ideas and your willingness to take business to the next level. They want to keep young professionals in this area; and want to support and develop the future leaders
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E3YP for the region. The Chamber stands beside them in making that happen.” Newly appointed President of E3 Young Professionals, Brian Hoover of Wipfli CPAs and Consultants Wausau spoke briefly on the development of the E3YP program, stating that “[The Chamber] worked with the 2013 20 Under Forty award winners and other local young professionals to create a steering committee for the program. We feel like we’ve created a structure that will be truly beneficial to young professionals, without duplicating the efforts of other organizations in the region.” As a bonus for attending the kick-off, YPs were entered to win a Chamber gift certificate and Elizabeth Knight of Aplomb PR was the big winner of the night. Congrats! All in all, it was an amazing evening! Lots of new business connections were made and many young professionals are now fired up about E3YP. Our next
Young Professionals
Engage. Empower. Excite.
social event is scheduled for June 26 at Sconni’s in Schofield; and our July Professional Development program is being finalized as a result of the kick-off event. Note that all events this summer are free of charge. Watch for our membership drive as we move through the region. Make sure to tell your employers you want to be a part of E3YP and invite your friends and co-workers to the next event. See you soon!
E3YP Executive Committee (Pictured left to right) Director at Large: Bob Lamovec, Office Enterprises Director at Large: Leslie Brown, Ontogeny Advertising and Design President: Brian Hoover, Wipfli LLP, Chairperson: Melissa Kampmann, Ruder Ware President Elect: Melissa Dotter, Marathon County Government
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Member News The Abbotsford Story, Inc. is pleased to announce the presentation of over $14,600 in donations to area organizations within the AbbyBank communities. Every March and September, AbbyBank’s charitable foundation, The Abbotsford Story, Inc., receives requests from many area schools, non-profit organizations and community organizations for funds needed to enrich, create or support existing community public projects. The March 2014 donations were presented to several different organizations in our community. The Abbotsford Story, Inc. strives to provide continued support to its area communities. Doctors at Aspirus Regional Cancer Center recently began treating patients with a new radiation technology called brachytherapy. Brachytherapy is a very precise and highly effective form of radiation therapy, in which the radiation source that delivers the required dose of radiation is placed in or close to the tumor itself. The precision of brachytherapy allows physicians to concentrate a high dose of radiation in a small area, minimizing damage to nearby, healthy body tissue and organs. The Aspirus Health Foundation awarded $15,808 in grants to four different area initiatives including: $8,000 to the Neighbors’ Place Hoop House Project in Wausau; $3,000 to Wausau Area Mobile Meals; $1,808 to the Wausau Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and Conservation, Planning, and Zoning Department; and $3,000 to the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry. The Aspirus Health Foundation supports community-based efforts that align with its mission to advance the health and wellbeing of area residents. Matthew T. Graun, Michael A. Higgins, and Travis C. Puig, Autodesk Certified Professionals of BecherHoppe Associates, Inc., attended Minn-U 2014 on March 20 and 21 in Minneapolis. Mr. Graun and Mr. Higgins presented an innovative approach to
visualizing airspace obstructions using Infraworks 2014 and learned the latest in civil technologies. Mr. Puig was educated in the latest information in Architectural modeling and earned the Revit Architecture 2014 certification. Becher-Hoppe Associates, Inc. is a Wausau-based firm of consulting engineers, architects, surveyors, and real estate specialists providing a wide spectrum of quality professional services to government, business, and individuals. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has named Laurie Frahm the 2014 Big Sister of the Year for the state of Wisconsin. The national organization chooses an outstanding individual who has demonstrated a significant impact on their “Little.” Frahm’s dedicated commitment and guidance has earned her the recognition for this award. Frahm was matched with her Little, Deanna Maruska, now 18, by the Wausau-based agency Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northcentral Wisconsin in 2005. Through the years, Frahm has remained an important role model in Maruska’s life, watching and helping her overcome obstacles and gain confidence. Cellcom has teamed up with Telcare, Inc. to offer an integrated wireless solution that enables people with diabetes, their families, and their care team to better manage the condition. The world’s first cellular-enabled blood glucose meter, manufactured by Telcare, is now available throughout the state of Wisconsin from Cellcom. The initiative was led by Patrick D. Riordan, Cellcom’s president and CEO, and John R. Dwyer, Jr., Telcare’s chairman and a native of Appleton. “Mobile and digital health options are fast becoming feasible solutions for monitoring and managing an array of conditions and overall health,” said Riordan. David Gibbs of Wausau has won a $500 Gift Card by participating in Culver’s national Catch of the Day sweepstakes. The promotion invited Culver’s
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Member News
guests to enter a promotional code online and then cast their lines for a chance to win the Catch of the Day. David was randomly selected as the grand prize winner. “I like to go fishing, but never snagged $500 before,” says David. “Culver’s is a strong supporter of the local community and we’re happy the grand prize winner is from our area,” said Lisa Metz, General Manager at Culver’s of Wausau. Nick Brandl, Ellis Stone Construction assistant project manager, has completed the Associated General Contractors of America Project Manager Development Program. The program covers project management essentials for emerging project managers. Brandl joined Ellis in June 2013 and has been involved in several projects including the Great Northern Distillery in Plover and the Health + Fitness Headquarters in Waupaca. He is currently working on the remodel of the Steven Point Fire Station. The Eye Clinic of Wisconsin SC is proud to announce that founding physician Dr. Gordon Backer will receive the prestigious Developer Award at the May 15 Champions of Business celebration, sponsored by Junior Achievement. The Junior Achievement Wisconsin Northcentral chapter will host an elegant dinner at the Jefferson Inn at 5:30 p.m. for all ticketed attendees. The Champions of Business event honors business leaders who helped grow Wausau and the Northcentral Wisconsin business community. Dr.
Backer’s legacy is still strong as the Eye Clinic of Wisconsin celebrates 51 years of service. The Eye Clinic of Wisconsin SC is excited to announce that Dr. Heather Totman, Au.D., will provide free hearing screenings at the May 8 Senior Living Fair. The hearing screenings are simple tests that can immediately inform a patient of whether or not they may be in need of a more formal hearing appointment. The screenings will showcase updated technologies, advanced hearing aid options, and provide valuable information on hearing decline and dual sensory loss.
Independent Printing is proud to announce the launch of a new website for its paperboard packaging line at indepackaging.com. Independent’s products include standard paperboard packaging items—such as tote, tuck and mailer-style boxes—as well as high end, custom-designed pieces for point of purchase displays and promotional packaging. An average customer makes the decision to buy in less than ten seconds, which is why Independent offers a range of enhanced finishing techniques including embossing, foil stamping and a variety of high end coatings. Scott Olson, Certified Senior Account Manager (CSAM), Account Executive with Management Recruiters of Wausau, recently attended the Pacesetter Conference in Punta Cana at the Hard Rock Café. This conference is held for the top achievers within the organization. Joe Montana,
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Member News Hall of Fame quarterback, led the keynote address to the conference. Scott ranks within the top 5% of more than 2,500 individual recruiters across approximately 600 offices in 35 countries. His focus is in the banking industry in the Midwest. Thanks to donations and support, the Marshfield Clinic Krause Family Pediatric Cancer Angel Fund, which provides assistance for non-medical expenses, has grown to more than $75,000 in just five months. Teri Wilczek, chief development officer, reached out to Werner and Sue Krause in summer 2013 to engage them in support of Marshfield Clinic’s pediatric cancer care efforts. Clinic providers and staff have treated their grandson Will for leukemia since 2012. Motivated to help others in need, they loved the idea of starting a fund to help families financially struggling due to their child’s cancer diagnosis.
children on the Federal Free and Reduced Meal Program. Up to 77 percent of elementary-age students in the region qualify for Federal Free and Reduced Lunch. Welcome spring with beautiful annuals and join Ministry Home Care-Hospice Services for their annual Hospice Plant Sale on Friday, May 9 from 8 am – 6 pm and Saturday, May 10 from 8 am – 1 pm at the Weston Regional Medical Center in Parking Lot #7, adjacent to Ministry Saint Clare’s Hospital and Marshfield Clinic Weston Center. Annuals provided by Cerny’s Greenhouse in Tomahawk will be available at the sale. Cash, check, or charge are accepted. All proceeds benefit patients and families cared for by Ministry Home Care-Hospice Services.
Amanda Boreen, a registered nurse and breast care coordinator at Marshfield Clinic Weston Center, recently passed a rigorous exam that certifies she has the specialized knowledge necessary for breast care nursing. Boreen completed the Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN) examination, which is the only nationally accredited breast care certification available exclusively to registered nurses. “This certification assures that nurses are providing quality care to breast cancer patients,” Boreen said. “I’m committed to being a reputable resource for patients, families, and coworkers.”
Seven Hospitals in the Ministry Health Care system have been named 2014 HEALTHSTRONG™ Hospitals by iVantage Health Analytics. Ministry Saint Clare’s Hospital, Weston; Ministry Door County Medical Center, Sturgeon Bay; Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield; Ministry Saint Michael’s Hospital, Stevens Point; Affinity Health Systems Calumet Medical Center, Chilton; Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital, Appleton and Mercy Medical Center, Oshkosh are among 38 Wisconsin Hospitals named HEALTHSTRONG Hospitals. The 2014 HEALTHSTRONG Hospitals, highlights top performing hospitals rated as part of iVantage’s Hospital Strength INDEX™.
Ministry Saint Clare’s Hospital is pleased to announce the selection of the Blessings in a Backpack program at the DC Everest and Wausau School Districts as the first Community Benefit Partner Organization. As a result of this partnership, Ministry Saint Clare’s will provide $50,000 in funding over the next three years and additional support for the project which provides weekend nourishment to local school
A nearly $12,000 grant has been awarded to the Foundation of Ministry Saint Clare’s Hospital on behalf of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program at Ministry Saint Clare’s Hospital. The funds from an anonymous donor are in memory of Sister Margrit Immoos, a member of the founders of Ministry Health Care, the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother. Sister Margrit played key roles at various
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Member News Ministry Health Care locations and passed away in October of 2013. The funds will be used to provide eighty hours of training in adult and pediatric forensic nursing for two nurses in 2014. Seven Ministry Health Care facilities have earned Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR) under a national program aimed at helping people make informed decisions about the quality of the respiratory care services available in hospitals. Approximately 15 percent of hospitals in the United States have applied for and received this award. Ministry Health Care facilities earning the QRCR designation include Ministry Saint Clare’s Hospital, Weston; Ministry Good Samaritan Health Center, Merrill; Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield; Ministry Saint Michael’s Hospital; Stevens Point, Ministry Saint Mary’s Hospital, Rhinelander; Ministry Door County Medical Center, Sturgeon Bay and Ministry Health Care’s Howard Young Medical Center, Woodruff. Navigating the health care system can be complicated, especially as people or their loved ones advance in age. In response, Ministry Home Care-Hospice is launching a series of brown bag lunch presentations. The Ministry Home CareHospice Life Talks remaining schedule features: “We Need to Talk – Family Conversations with the Older Driver” on Tuesday, May 20; “Are you at Risk for Sleep Apnea?” on Tuesday, June 17; and “How Caregiver Support Can Help you Stay at Home” on Tuesday, July 15. All sessions are from noon – 1 p.m. in the Weston Clinic Conference Room. Advanced registration is requested by contacting 715-8432798 or Deborah.hickey@ministryhealth.org Pete Sanderson, MD, has been named Vice President for Ministry Medical Group’s (MMG) northern region according to Bob Sookochoff, MD, President of MMG. He fills the role formerly held
by Dr. Sookochoff, who was recently named as Ministry Medical Group President. Dr. Sanderson is an experienced family physician and leader who has been associated with Ministry for 30 years. He has run a small group practice in Plover, served as the president of the Rice Medical Group and, most recently, served as Chief Medical Informatics Officer for MMG responsible for the successful implementation of the Cattails EHR. Revi Design, a Wausau landscape design/build company, is the recipient of the Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association 2014 Gold Award. Dave Sether, Design Director, and Dan Preston, Construction Manager, accepted the award on March 7, 2014 in Milwaukee at the WLCA Excellence in Landscaping Program. The project awarded was a residential backyard re-design located on Lake Wausau, which included a new patio, pergola and outdoor kitchen. This award recognizes outstanding landscape projects in Wisconsin and Revi Design is the first landscaping company in Central Wisconsin to receive this award for a residential project. Schenck is pleased to announce that the following employees have recently joined the firm’s Wausau office: Kathrine Cihlar joined as a Receptionist. She received her vocational degree from MidState Technical Institute in Marshfield. Charlotte Van Rossum, CPA joined as a Staff Accountant in the tax department. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Northwestern–St. Paul. Prior to joining Schenck, Van Rossum worked in the corporate tax department of a public accounting firm in Minneapolis. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The Susan G. Komen Central Wisconsin Race for the Cure® Committee announced that Marshfield Clinic will return as presenting sponsor for the fifth annual
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Member News Komen Central Wisconsin Race for the Cure, which will take place at Wausau’s 400 Block on August 10, 2014. “The Central Wisconsin Affiliate and 2014 Race Committee are thankful for Marshfield Clinic’s continued commitment to the breast health of area women through its support of this signature event,” said Susan Ford-Hoffert, race committee co-chair. The USPS and the Central Wisconsin Postal Customer Council will be hosting a “Free” workshop for small and medium-sized businesses at the Howard Johnson Inn in Wausau on Thursday, May 15, 2014. An itinerary and information can be found here www.cwpcc.com/workshop. Signup is required. An optional breakfast ($20) and/or lunch ($15) is available for additional networking. The Woodson Art Museum announces Barry W. Van Dusen as the 2014 Master Artist who will be honored during the Museum’s 39th annual “Birds in Art” exhibition this fall. Van Dusen, the Woodson’s 34th Master Artist, will receive the Master Wildlife Artist Medal during the “Birds in Art” on September 6 and 7. Director Kathy Kelsey Foley said, “We are delighted to honor Barry Van Dusen and acknowledge his exceptional artwork. Barry’s watercolors are remarkably luminous and sensitive, which is due in part to his preference for working in the field, a
long-standing tradition among artists who look to nature for subject matter.” Wausau School District teachers John Lakus, Mang Thao, and Joe Pachal of Horace Mann Middle School and Christine Kadonsky of Wausau West High School attended and presented at the Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies Conference on March 16-17 in Middleton. Lakus and Pachal presented a session entitled “Cash, Movement, and Apple Pie: The Economics and Geography of Baseball,” and Kadonsky presented “Exploring Modern Germany.” Additionally, Pachal was appointed to serve on the WCSS Executive Board and Kadonsky currently serves on the WCSS Executive Board as the Awards Committee Chair. The Wisconsin Advanced Placement Advisory Council (WAPAC) recognized Wausau West High School as a Level 3 Pacesetter school in Advanced Placement for the 2012 – 2013 school year. Pacesetter schools provide impressive student access to AP courses and post excellent AP exam results. To be recognized as a Level 3 school more than 10 percent of a school’s students must take AP exams and more than 60 percent of those test-takers must receive a score of 3 or higher.
Leadership Excellence
Now Accepting Applications Apply Today! Questions? Contact Kim Smerda at ksmerda@wausauchamber.com or 715-848-5942
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Business Advocacy Greetings from the World of Advocacy Submitted by Sara Guild, Government Affairs Director
As I look back on the first six months of my time with the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce, I am both amazed at how much has been accomplished and excited about how much more we are planning to do. In that spirit, I would like to take a few minutes to provide some background on what Business Advocacy means and how it can benefit you, our members. So what exactly is advocacy and why would a Chamber want to spend time on it? I have heard this question countless times in recent months and my favorite answer is this – advocacy is the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal. This Chamber needs to be proactive with advocacy because our members deserve to have the strongest voice possible when they have a business-related cause that needs support. Government impacts business every single day in countless ways. Our goal is to ensure that bills and regulations that support business growth and success are encouraged, while those that hinder business are not. If you know of any government-related issues that impact business and would benefit from direct action by the Chamber, let me or any member of our enthusiastic Business Advocacy Committee know. We can take the single voice of your business and amplify it by almost 1,000 members, which gives it a lot more weight when we contact the region’s legislators to let them know our position. There truly is strength in numbers. Another way the Chamber supports Business Advocacy is by bringing the government straight to you. These upcoming Advocacy events will give members direct access to government and allow members to bring their ideas straight to the people who can make real changes:
May 15 – Advocacy in Action: Discussing Your Transportation Needs with the WisDoT • WisDoT Secretary Mark Gottlieb will be discussing the Transportation Moves Wisconsin campaign and getting your ideas on how best to move Wisconsin “Forward.” • Sponsored by Domtar and Wisconsin Kennworth Legislative Lessons Mini-series May 21 – Program 1: The Creation of Legislation • Attorney Tamara Dodge with the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau will discuss how bills are made and what the average person can do to have an influence on the creation of legislation. June 4 – Program 2: Reducing the Regulatory Burden • Director Nancy Mistele with the Office of Business Development will discuss how her department can help identify rules and regulations that need to be reformed (or removed) and present other tools available to business owners. For more information and to register for these and other programs, check out the Chamber’s Programs calendar. If you have any questions or suggestions for the Business Advocacy Committee, contact us at advocacy@wausauchamber.com or by calling 715-848-5940. We are here to support you and I thank you for the opportunity to do so!
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We Want to Hear from You! Two great ways to share your story Biz Bio - Great things are happening with small businesses in Marathon County and we want to help share the good news. Submit yours now. Member Stories - Here is where we would like to hear from you. • “Members Helping Members”: Tell your own success story. These stories will be about members, like you, who have made business connections or sales with another WRCC member. • “Member Success Stories”: Tell your business story and include what you have done to be successful in business; how you stayed in business for (X) number of years; how you support the economy.
Guidelines for submission: Stories must be 500 words or less. Please include the following content when you submit stories for “Members Helping Members” and/or “Member Success Stories”: • Business Start Date • Brief overview of your business • How the WRCC has helped you grow • Any photos you have that go with the story (as available) All of these are great ways for you to get additional exposure for your business! Please submit your stories/photos to Karen Nerison at knerison@wausauchamber.com.
Notes: Use of the stories will be at the discretion of the WRCC and may be shortened to fit the appropriate platform. Only stories from members in good standing with the WRCC will be used. The information you submit may be used in the Wausau Daily Herald, Chamber Marketing Materials, The Business New and Social Media Sites.
CHAMBER GOLF OUTING Best Ball Scramble Monday, June 23, 2014 | Wausau Country Club
Coined as one of the most exciting events during the summer, the Chamber Golf Outing offers you an active day on the links with other Chamber members and their guests. Join us to make some great connections.
Space is limited. Register Now! Dinner, Cart, Putting Green Sponsor
Birdie Sponsor
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Small Business Week Small Business Week Energy Our region’s business community has a renewed sense of energy after experiencing the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Week 2014. You see it in the news, on Facebook, on Twitter, and you can feel it in the air. It’s invigorating and gives us all a glimpse of the year to come. Small Business Week 2014 took place April 21-25. The week offered several events that connected, informed, and inspired business professionals in the Wausau Region. Here is how the numbers stacked up by event: Legislators’ Forum – 150 attendees Small Business of Year Awards – 233 attendees Leadership Characteristics: An Inside Look at Successful Local Leaders – 88 attendees Business EXPO– 228 booths and 1,450 attendees Business EXPO PM – 450 attendees SBY Winner’s Circle – 137 attendees
2014 “Best of Show” Booth Winners: • Best of Show (Overall) – FlipSide Graphics • Best of Show (Eats or Treats) – Days Bowl-A-Dome • Best of Show (Best Theme) – Jim Kryshak Jewelers • Best of Show (Attention Strategy) – FlipSide Graphics Thank you to our “Best of Show” Judges • Alfred Nakhla, Associated Bank • Kim Fischer, Central Beer Distributors • Ted Peotter, Ferguson • Kelly Knipper, Floorology • Dan Preston, RE-VI Design • Katie Anderson, The Sweet Life Bakery If you weren’t able to attend any of the events this year, be sure to mark your calendars for Small Business Week 2015—April 20-24. You don’t want to miss the thrill you get from being a part of a week that helps businesses grow.
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Small Business Week Congratulations 2014 Small Business of the Year Winners Grebe’s Inc is the winner in the Business-toConsumer category. They are a 68 year old, familyowned entrepreneurial venture. Transformed from being a CASE tractor franchise in 1946, Grebe’s is now a store comprised of five specialty departments Appliances, Chef Center, Grilling Center, Mattresses and Power Center - along with Service departments. Regardless of the change that has come their way; three constants have always remained a part of Grebe’s: integrity, honesty and service.
Finishing Touch Signs is the winner in the Businessto-Business category. They are committed to the idea that signage deserves to be treated with high regard, going above and beyond its purely practical functions. Founded in 2006, they have grown from two employees to six and achieved 1.1 million dollars in total sales in 2013. Finishing Touch Signs focuses on interior and exterior signs and have completed projects in 48 states.
Bridge Community Health Clinic is the winner in the Charitable Non-Profit category. They target the needs of the underserved in Central Wisconsin with over 7,500 patients annually. Bridge’s current mission is to provide high quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services to everyone, regardless of their income or insurance status. Bridge Community Health Clinic is most well-known for its high quality dental and primary care services, which actively involves the patients in their treatment plans.
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Small Business Week Thank you to all of our sponsors, volunteers, and members who make this week possible. 2014 Sponsors: 2510 Restaurant Advanced Disposal Aspirus Network Associated Bank Batteries+ Bulbs Becher-Hoppe Associates Becker Communications BMO Harris Way Buffalo Wild Wings Bull Falls Brewery Burrachos Buska Retirement Solutions Brickner’s of Wausau Cellcom Central Beer Distributors Charter Business City Grill Lane Clements Insurance Agency CoVantage Credit Union Daubert Law Firm The Dirks Group Dream Systems Driven Technologies EO Johnson Office Technologies Ed & Sharon’s Restaurant EmbroidMe Fabiano Brothers Focus Financial Frontier Communications Great Dane Pub & Brewing Hurtis Heating & Cooler
LandArt Lil’ Ole Winemaker Shoppe Mallery & Zimmerman Marshfield Clinic Mid-Wisconsin Beverage Midwest Communications Radio Group Ministry Health Care NorthStar Cleaning & Restoration Northway Communications Northwestern Mutual Office Enterprises Peoples State Bank Rasmussen College REALiving Remedy Intelligent Staffing River Valley Roto-Graphic Printing R-Store Sam’s Club Samuels Group l Environments Schenck SC Sugar ‘n Spice Cheesecakes TD Fischer Group The Bar The Business News Trig’s WIPFLi Wisconsin Kenworth Wisconsin Public Service Woodson YMCA WSAW News Channel 7
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Ambassador of the Month Meet Laura Laura Kuhnert has been an Ambassador with the Wausau Region Chamber for more than four years. Through her volunteerism as an Ambassador, Laura enjoys seeing first-hand the growth of the Wausau community. “It’s exciting seeing the new businesses, as well as growth in existing businesses throughout the area”, says Kuhnert. A Certified Financial Planner with Whalen Financial Group, Laura began her career in the finance and investments world in 1996. She spent more than 15 years working as an advisor in the bank world. Three years ago, Laura was able to go out independently and work for herself through Whalen Financial Group. She works with small businesses and individuals. Laura’s goal is to create a future roadmap for her clients to reach their financial goals. Educating and preparing clients helps them get ready for retirement while reaching other goals they may set for themselves. The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce congratulates Laura on her accomplishments and thanks her for continued efforts helping many Chamber members.
Laura Kuhnert
Volunteer Spotlight Meet Pete Pete Valiska is the Vice President of Sales with Benefit Concepts of Wausau, LLC. He has spent the past 22 years in business development, account management, and business management roles with both large and small firms. He has been active in the insurance industry with experience in the areas of property & casualty, workers compensation, and life and health for the past thirteen years. Pete was born and raised in the Wausau area. He joined Benefit Concepts of Wausau as a Business Development Manager in 2006 focusing on small to medium-sized businesses. Pete attended the University of Wisconsin and North Central Technical College with an emphasis on marketing and business management. Pete Valiska Pete serves on the Board of Directors of Wausau Events, Inc., as a member of the Wausau Region Chamber Small Business Week Committee, as Co-Chair of The Ice Tee Classic to benefit The Neighbor’s Place in Wausau, and is a PastPresident of the Wausau Westside Business Association. He resides in Kronenwetter, enjoys spending time with his nieces and nephews and attends St. Therese Catholic Church. Pete has been a volunteer for the Chamber for the past 5 years. He has been on the Small Business Week Committee and has been Chair of the committee since 2013. He is also on the Wellness Program Committee, which is a new initiative for the Chamber. He enjoys the interaction with other members. He feels that the Wausau region is very fortunate to have a Chamber with an excellent staff and strong membership.
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New Members Please Help Us Welcome These New Members Apricot Lane Tina Heideman A-128 Wausau Center Mall Wausau, WI 54403 715-571-3125 Physical Therapy Specialists LLC Ben Solheim 408 3rd St Ste 203 Wausau, WI 54403 715-870-2225 www.ptspecialistswi.com
Wisconsin Womens Business Initiative Corp (WWBIC) Mara Henningsen 2745 N Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr Milwaukee, WI 53212 414-263-5450 www.wwbic.com
Ribbon Cuttings Ribbon Cuttings/Ground Breakings An excellent way to promote your business when you: Break ground on a new facility - Move to a new location - Remodel your existing facility Contact Heather Martell at the Chamber to schedule your event. 715-848-5951 or hmartell@wausauchamber.com
Backsmith Advanced Physical Therapy 3409 Schofield Ave Ste E, Weston n 715-298-5888
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For More Information call; Kristina La Porte @ 715-573-9900 Or email kristina.laporte@cellcom.com kkrKristin.laporte@cellcom.com
Discover Savings and Buy Local with Chamber Affinity Partners The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce is committed to not only “Buy Local�, but also help-ing members save money whenever possible in an ever-changing economic environment. Chamber membership guarantees access to exclusive dis-counts from our Affinity Program Partners. By tak-ing advantage of these discounts, you can see a high return on your membership investment with the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce and realize unparalleled savings on these products and services. You are encouraged to look into the Affinity Pro-gram offers to learn about how you can save signifi-cantly in each of these plans.
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