Fox Cities Chamber
Energizing & Empowering Enterprise Spring/Summer 2019 I Volume 20 I Issue 1
Cover Story
BUSINESS
2018 - 2019
Acquiring and Retaining TALENT
Awards Recipients
Leadership Fox Cities Commencement
InThis 2 The President’s Perspective
20 2019 Fox Cities Future 15 Young Professionals
3 Meet the Chamber Staff
22 Public Policy
4 Cover Story
Acquiring and Retaining Talent
24 2019 Leadership Fox Cities Graduates
8 Economic Development Industrial Real Estate Market Update
26 Member Milestone Anniversaries 27 Welcome New Members
10 Community Spotlight
Rebuilding Together Fox Valley
12 2019 Business Awards Recipients
28 Your Future LIVE Career Expo
29 Fox Cities Chamber Supporters
14 Member Editorial
State budget provision threatens key local economic development tool
30 Member Spotlights
Successful Companies Practice Courage
34 Member Editorial
16 Happenings
Cellcom Offers IoT Solutions for Business
18 Member Editorial
Signs You Are An Emotionally Intelligent Leader
On The Cover Acquiring and Retaining Talent Fox Cities Chamber BUSiNESS is published semi-annually by the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce 125 N. Superior Street, Appleton, WI 54911 PH 920-734-7101 www.foxcitieschamber.com Standard postage paid at Appleton, WI. Annual subscription fee to members for Fox Cities Chamber BUSiNESS is $9 and is included in dues. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Fox Cities Chamber BUSiNESS, 125 N. Superior Street, Appleton, WI 54911.
Publisher Becky Bartoszek Editor Emily Feagles Design/Production Weidert Creative Photography BConnected, LLC Image Studios Printing JP Graphics
Board of Directors 2018-19
The President’s Perspective “With five generations now in the workforce, we realize that moving forward we can’t be your “grandfather’s” Chamber, not even your “father’s” Chamber.
Dear Chamber Members, Investors, Sponsors and Partners The arrival of warmer temperatures signals the beginning of outdoor event season here at the Fox Cities Chamber. We kicked off May with a very successful Bazaar After DarkTM event in Brillion, doubling the population of that community on a chilly Saturday night. We look forward to lighting up the streets of Little Chute on July 31st with our family-friendly and creative night market. North Shore Golf Club will be our host for the 2019 Golf Outing on July 15th. Finally, we will close out the season with a third Bazaar After Dark in Menasha late summer and bring approximately 200,000 people to College Avenue for Octoberfest the last Saturday in September. Being new to our Chamber, I quickly learned that many people don’t realize that Octoberfest and Bazaar After Dark are programs of the Fox Cities Chamber. Even though the events are meant to enhance the quality of life here in our region, these programs also have a larger purpose. Bazaar after Dark is a traveling night market meant to draw people into underutilized commercial areas of our community that they may not have had the opportunity to explore in the past. From the creative shops in Brillion to the authentic windmill in Little Chute, our mission is to highlight the unique areas that the Fox Cities has to offer to anyone looking for a vibrant area to live, work and play. We hope to see you and your family at one of these events over the next several months. In 2019, economic development is focused on talent attraction. For the first time, jobs are moving to where the people are instead of the reverse. With five generations now in the workforce, we realize that moving forward we can’t be your “grandfather’s” Chamber, not even your “father’s” Chamber. We must seek new ways to stay relevant to the current workforce and become a Chamber of the future. With that, we have new programs in the pipeline built to engage and attract workforce for employers in the Fox Cities, such as Fox Cities Days – an on-campus recruitment event, a new employee retention program – a condensed program designed to immerse a select group of your new employees to amenities in the Fox Cities, a renewed 8-12th grade career expo event - Future Fox Cities, and more. We look forward to connecting with you on these programs and opportunities in the near future.
Best wishes,
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Becky Bartoszek President/CEO
Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I The President’s Perspective
Chair of the Board Kathi Seifert Katapult, LLC Chairman-Elect Chris Matheny Fox Valley Technical College Past Chairman Bruce Zak Johnson Financial Group Secretary/Treasurer Travis Froze BMO Harris Bank Board of Directors Kimberly Barrett Lawrence University Jen Bauer Miron Construction Co., Inc. Lisa Cruz Red Shoes Inc. John Dennis Gardan Inc. Curt Detjen Community Foundation of the Fox Valley Region, Inc. DeDe Heid Heid Music Chris Hess Goodwill NCW Jim Johnson Pierce Manufacturing, Inc. Dean Kaufert, Mayor City of Neenah Arist Mastorides Kimberly-Clark Corporation Rick Parks Modern Woodmen of America Todd Romenesko Calumet County Mark Scheffler The Appleton Group, LLC Heather Schimmers Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital Denise Starcher Menasha Corporation Scott Teerlinck Werner Electric Supply Co. Mark Thompson ThedaCare John Trottier AZCO, Inc. Gary Vaughan Guident Business Solutions Abe Weber Appleton International Airport Bob Zemple Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP Ex-Officio Sharon Hulce Employment Resource Group, Inc.
GET TO KNOW YOUR
Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce Staff
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The Chamber is a dynamic group of dedicated professionals who provide resources and solutions to businesses of all sizes within the Fox Cities Region. The Chamber acts as an access point for solving business challenges, establishing and growing professional and social networks and providing assistance for business leaders to achieve their goals.
1. Becky Bartoszek President/CEO bbartoszek@foxcitieschamber.com 2. Amy Andersen Director, Talent & K-16 Relations amy@foxcitiesregion.com 3. Connie Barlow Administrative Assistant receptionist@foxcitieschamber.com 4. Tonya Boelter Senior Director, Community Engagement tboelter@foxcitieschamber.com 5. Jennifer Brown Director, Existing Industry & Innovation jennifer@foxcitiesregion.com 6. Emily Feagles Director, Marketing & Communications efeagles@foxcitieschamber.com 7. Katie Gaffney Event Coordinator kgaffney@foxcitieschamber.com 8. Jaclyn June Marketing & Design Specialist jjune@foxcitieschamber.com 9. MiKayla Kunde Director, Member Programs mkunde@foxcitieschamber.com 10. Nora Langolf Vice President, Finance and Administration nlangolf@foxcitieschamber.com 11. Linda Myers Senior Administrative Assistant lmyers@foxcitieschamber.com 12. Amy Schanke Director, Leadership Fox Cities aschanke@foxcitieschamber.com 13. Pam Schweitzer Administrative Assistant receptionist@foxcitieschamber.com 14. Peter Thillman Vice President, Economic Development & Workforce peter@foxcitiesregion.com 15. Suzanne Wittman Director, Investor Relations suzanne@foxcitiesregion.com
Photos by Image Studios
Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Fox Cities Chamber Staff
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COVER STORY
ACQUIRING AND RETAINING
TALENT
According to a January 2019 Gartner survey, sixty-three percent of respondents indicated that a talent shortage was a key concern for their organization. The financial services, industrial and manufacturing, consumer services, government and nonprofit, and retail and hospitality sectors showed particularly high levels of concern in this area, with more than two-thirds of respondents in each industry signaling this as one of their top five risks.
We spoke with three area companies about their best practices for acquiring and retaining talent. Here’s what they had to say.
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Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Cover Story
PLEXUS Draft and Develop
According to Ryan Uhl, Plexus Talent Acquisition Manager, Plexus focuses its talent recruiting and retention efforts in two strategic areas, DRAFT and DEVELOP. “From a DRAFT perspective, we are committed to maintain and increase our interaction with, and presence at, institutions of higher learning across the globe,” he told us. Through classroom interaction, career fair participation and creative interaction with students, Plexus has positioned itself as a destination organization for students from a variety of backgrounds. Its United States intern program this summer will provide a record 107 students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at its
manufacturing, engineering and corporate offices across the country. In fact, Plexus will host 62 of those interns right here in the Fox Valley; a great opportunity for the incoming talent pool to experience the diverse and inclusive culture of Plexus. “We place core campus teams at each university we recruit from,” said Uhl. “The individuals on these teams are not from a talent recruiting discipline, but represent a range of expertise required for employment at Plexus,” he added. Plexus engages in career events at the high school level as well with activities that include career expos, participation in robotic clubs and student social events. In addition, investing in the future talent pool is a passion and core part of the Plexus culture. Through the Plexus Corp. Charitable Foundation, more than $1.8M has been donated specifically to STEM programs in the United States in recent years to stimulate future generations of innovative minds. “Forecasting has become an integral part of the DEVELOP side of our strategy,” said Summer Gonzalez, Plexus Director of Talent Development. “We focus on where our talent needs will be in the future, then hire people into our talent pipeline that we identify as potential leaders that can meet those needs.” Plexus is a rapidly growing organization. As they expand their capabilities and global locations, this DEVELOP strategy provides ongoing leadership opportunities to their talent pool. “Once they join, Plexus employees have the opportunity to participate in training, special assignments and leadership development programs designed to give them the skills necessary to continue building fulfilling careers with us,” said Gonzales.
WERNER ELECTRIC SUPPLY Connection is Key Werner Electric Supply believes retention of their top-notch workforce is as or more important than recruitment. That means truly connecting with them and their needs. One of the approaches they include in this effort are formal feedback sessions with their President, Scott Teerlinck. He listens to any corporate issues that are raised by employees from all areas of the company. Those sessions are then followed up by a task force that create action plans to address the important issues presented. These plans are monitored regularly to track progress and expedite the changes requested. Engagement Surveys are also sent to team members to get their perspective on how things are going. More importantly, however, are the follow-up meetings with each executive team member and team leaders to develop action plans. “This ensures that our employees remain engaged and satisfied with the work they are doing and their positions within the company,” said Hillary Anderson, Vice President of Human Resources. Other retention programs include Werner Excellence Awards which recognize top performing employees who are taking exceptional care to solve problems and go the extra mile in their positions. Werner Electric Supply believes that being located in the Fox Cites also helps them in their retention efforts. “We enjoy a comfortable, small-town lifestyle with bigcity entertainment and events like Mile of Music, the Performing Arts Center and Waterfest,” said Anderson. “That, combined with recreational access to large lakes and parks, plus professional and minor league sporting events, goes a long way in helping us retain our talented workforce,” she added.
Werner Electric employees and their families enjoy a day of food, games and tailgating ahead of the Annual Brewer Game Employee Appreciation Event.
Plexus participated at a recent career event at Neenah High School
Plexus core campus teams interact with institutions of higher learning across the globe.
President Scott Teerlinck presents a donation to the Boys and Girls Club, one of many charitable organizations Werner Electric Supply supports in the local community.
Werner Electric Supply holds a variety of wellness activities and challenges; here employees enjoy a chair yoga session.
Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Cover Story
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COVER STORY CONTINUED
INTEGRITY INSURANCE Talent to Innovate According to the afore-mentioned Gartner survey: “As the most educated generation, millennials expect a lot from their time in the workforce. With different motivations than their parents, including a relentless focus on creating memorable experiences in all areas of their lives, millennials prioritize job opportunities that will allow them to develop their skills for the future, and find a rewarding career path.” A few years ago only about five percent of Integrity Insurance’s workforce included millennials. Today, that number has skyrocketed to over thirty percent. When Jill Wagner Kelly became president five years ago she communicated this mantra to the entire associate group there, “You don’t build a COMPANY. You build PEOPLE and they’ll build the company.” Bobbie Collies, VP, Sales & Marketing at Integrity, says that mantra and the millennial’s desire for a meaningful career fits perfectly with the company’s strategy to be an innovation leader in the insurance field. “The insurance industry is evolving very quickly and we need creative and talented people who want to work for a forward-leaning company,” said Collies. “We’ve invested a lot in innovation, not only from a dollar standpoint but also in time and resources into building a culture of idea generation in our associates. We’ve been working really hard on innovation and have developed processes, programs and events to help advance our creative abilities,” she added.
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Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Cover Story
This year, Integrity Insurance unveiled a theme, “Your Ideas. Our Future.” designed to inspire innovative thinking in their associates. Everyone working at Integrity Insurance is encouraged and expected to feed new ideas to upper management. A score board is located directly outside of their president’s office that tallies new associate ideas that have been successfully implemented. Also this year, Integrity will be hosting an innovation event with the Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin whose Emerging Leaders Group focused on millennials. The event, which is part of their Young Professionals Program, promotes change champions and diversity in the industry. When asked where opportunities for innovation in the insurance industry are today, Collies responded, “If you’ve seen what Kayak and Expedia have done for travel, we’re seeing some innovative thinking around replicating some of that for the insurance industry. Companies like Amazon have raised the bar on enhancing the customer experience and the importance of customer reviews. We’re looking for associates who can help us advance those attributes in our business.”
COMING SOON! Competing For Talent – How To Stay Relevant The war for talent rages on and employers are deep in the trenches. The fierce battle to attract and retain “the best� is a continuous struggle. Unemployment is at an all-time low. There are more jobs available than candidates seeking new opportunities. The tight labor market has intensified competition. So, how do employers innovate, compete and win?
Change the strategy, change the game. Employers must differentiate themselves and their offerings in order to secure and retain top talent. Creating an employee-friendly workplace as part of a retention and attraction strategy is good for business and as well as the community. Helping employees balance personal and professional life/ work demands increases productivity, decreases employee turnover and improves employee engagement. Employers with a reputation for encouraging work-life balance have become very appealing to existing talent and future talent prospects.
The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce is eager to help promote employers focused on creating an employee-friendly workplace by developing a formal certification. With the assistance of an employer advisory group, the certification strives to differentiate Fox Cities employers. Fostering and showcasing the Fox Cities Region as an outstanding place to work is a leading talent attraction and retention strategy. Stay tuned for further details on this new certification, coming Fall 2019. Please contact Jennifer Brown, Director of Existing Industry and Innovation, at (920) 831-4905 or jennifer@foxcitiesregion.com for more information.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BOOMING!
D L O S
Industrial space remains at a premium in the red hot real estate market
Following a strong 2018, the Fox Cities’ commercial real estate market is off to a strong start in 2019. As our region’s largest industrial employers continue to grow – food processors, paper, plastics, metals, and transportation manufacturers, among others – so does the demand for industrial space. In fact, year-over-year demand has outpaced supply additions for the majority of 2018 and 2019. The local vacancy rate, currently at 1.6%, remains air-tight after a new historical low was reached in the second half of 2018 when the vacancy rate in the region plummeted to below 2% on the back of a four-year string of strong absorption and relative restrained construction. To put things in perspective, the 10-year average vacancy rate in the Fox Cities (20092019) is 6.5%.
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Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Economic Development
As demand continues to outpace supply, rents are also increasing. Asking rent growth recorded its seventh consecutive year of positive growth and third straight year of 3%-plus gains in 2018, which is good news for industrial landlords and investors. Market rent is currently around $4.75-$5.00 per square foot – a 1.5% increase from last period. On the buy side, market sale price is $35-$40 per square foot – a 3% increase from last period. The vast majority of industrial space is owner-occupied, which is a contributing factor for low vacancies.
There are a few industrial properties entering the local market this quarter, which is encouraging news for companies looking to lease production, distribution or flex space in the Fox Cities. 3120 N. Marshall Road, for example – a well-maintained, 105,117-square-foot office/warehouse building in the Appleton Northeast Industrial Park – became available for lease at the beginning of May. Other industrial properties available for lease or sale include 2801 W. Evergreen Drive in Little Chute; 1066-1068 American Drive in Neenah; and 850 Declaration Drive in Fox Crossing, among others. There are also several parcels of land zoned for industrial use across the Fox Cities region, where build-to-suit development opportunities are readily available. At the national level, demand for industrial space remains robust as well. The reasons are pretty clear: economic growth overall in 2018 accelerated, with GDP growing at about 3%. Goods consumption has grown by more than 5%, boosting retail sales. The change in the way consumers are shopping and receiving merchandise has dramatically shifted from an in-store model to an online model, increasing the demand for warehouse and distribution space. Nationally, industrial rents continue to grow at more than 5% year-over-year. Single-digit vacancies, steady rent growth, and record deal volume have combined to produce exceptional value gains for industrial assets nationally, as it is the case locally. It is no surprise that investors continue to find the industrial sector appealing. The Fox Cities’ office market is also active, and there is much more availability of space compared to the industrial side. The office vacancy rate across all office classes is currently 7.9% – a 1.7% increase from the previous period. Most of that is Class B and C space, which is currently at 11.5% vacancy. Class A space is more limited but the vacancy rate has also been trending up over the last couple of years. A healthy mix of office
Specialized Industrial
Logistics
Flex
Fox Cities
space is available for lease in our downtowns, including Menasha and Appleton, just as the central business districts reemerge as an attractive place for employers and residents alike. 140 Main Street, for instance – the former Menasha City Hall building downtown – is on the market for sale. Just up the street, 150 Main Street – a Class A office building – is listed for lease. In downtown Appleton, the 222 Building and City Center also have Class A office available for lease. Pfefferle’s own Appleton office building, 200 E. Washington Street, is also for sale as an investment opportunity. There is no doubt that we are experiencing an active marketplace throughout the Fox Cities, around the state and across the country. We hope to see more in-demand commercial space enter the pipeline so our local employers can continue to grow, expand and add jobs. Contributed by: Manny Vasquez VP, Business Development Pfefferle Companies NAI Pfefferle / Pfefferle Management Pfefferle Companies, Inc, is a fullservice commercial real estate firm headquartered in Appleton. Vasquez works closely with Pfefferle’s two main business units – NAI Pfefferle and Pfefferle Management – to offer a holistic platform of services to clients of all sizes and industries. Pfefferle specializes in selling, leasing and managing office, industrial, retail, land and investment properties throughout the state of Wisconsin, nationally and worldwide through its affiliation to NAI Global.
United States
The Fox Cities’ industrial vacancy rate remains air-tight at 1.6%.
3120 N. Marshall Road, listed by NAI Pfefferle, offers 105,117 square feet of office/warehouse for lease in the popular Appleton Northeast Industrial Park.
Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Economic Development
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
REBUILDING TOGETHER FOX VALLEY Mission: Repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives. For 19 years, Rebuilding Together Fox Valley (RTFV) has focused on making homes safe and healthy. Their volunteers provide critical home repairs to low-income neighbors in need, primarily senior citizens, people with disabilities and veterans, at no cost to the homeowner. The true magic of Rebuilding Together Fox Valley is neighbors helping neighbors in need. They partner with businesses, donors and volunteers to fund projects and complete home repairs under the supervision of a qualified project manager to make the home safe and healthy. Their volunteers do not require any skill or knowledge in construction or home repair to be part of the work as the appointed project managers break down the repairs into simple steps that can be achieved by anyone over the age of 14. The agency has an extensive list of partner contractors for repairs requiring specialized skills or licenses. This allows them to provide the highest quality of work to homeowners while protecting the health and safety of both the volunteers and homeowners they serve.
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Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Community Spotlight
Throughout the 2017-2018 fiscal year, they utilized 426 volunteers to complete 55 projects in their service area of Outagamie, Calumet, Winnebago and Waupaca counties. 46.15% of clients served were senior citizens, 46.15% were people with disabilities (28.21% were people that were both senior citizens and had a disability) and 15.38% of clients were veterans.
Upcoming Chamber EVENTS For a complete listing of upcoming Fox Cities Chamber events, please visit foxcitieschamber. com. Sponsorship opportunities are available Contact us to learn more and get involved.
JULY 2019 On April 27, 2019, RTFV hosted the 19th annual National Rebuilding Day in the Fox Cities, also known as Project Day. Ten projects were completed on that day, with two additional projects rescheduled due to the weather. They received generous funding from the J.J. Keller Foundation, U.S. Venture Schmidt Family Foundation and a private family foundation to propel efforts. They also partnered with 13 businesses in order to fund and volunteer 12 home repair projects. Business partners included: U.S. Venture, The Boldt Company, Hoffman Planning, Design and Construction, Capital Credit Union, Fox Communities Credit Union, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, Associated Bank, Nestle – Freedom DC, SCHEELS, Thrivent Financial, Essity, SECURA Insurance and Bemis Company. A number of contractors and service providers, such as Pella Windows and D&M Interiors, donated supplies and labor to projects, along with deeply discounted prices on their goods and services. A particularly unique partnership formed this year when the Boldt Company and Hoffman Planning, Design and Construction worked together to complete a particularly complex project in Seymour. These two businesses who operate in the same field joined forces to improve the home and lives of a family that was special to the agency. Without this partnership, the repairs to this home would have been beyond the capabilities of Rebuilding Together Fox Valley. National Rebuilding Day was a true demonstration of neighbors helping neighbors in need and is an embodiment of the values of the Fox Cities, where communities take care of their residents. Rebuilding Together Fox Valley will continue its mission of repairing homes, revitalizing communities and rebuilding lives. Their service area has expanded into Oshkosh and Southern Winnebago County and they have begun serving clients in those communities. The agency is always looking for businesses and volunteers to partner with to accomplish their mission. Interested individuals and businesses can learn more by visiting www.rtfv.org or contacting Executive Director, Chip Wood, at chip@rtfv.org. “With Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction and The Boldt Company partnering on a home sponsorship and renovation for this year’s National Rebuilding Day, it was an ideal way for both companies to make an even greater impact in the community,” said Joe Truehart, Hoffman senior project manager. “Both firms are deeply rooted in the Fox Valley and are committed to strengthening our communities and reinvesting our resources to assist our neighbors. We have collaborated on projects in the past, and we saw this as an excellent opportunity to support a local organization that’s making a difference.” Joe Truehart Senior Project Manager - Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction
Fox Cities Chamber Annual Golf Outing Monday, July 15, 2019 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM North Shore Golf Club N8421 N Shore Road, Menasha Business Connection Wednesday, July 24, 2019 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM Whistler’s Knoll Vineyard N2845 State Highway 15, Hortonville Bazaar After DarkTM: Little Chute Wednesday, July 31, 2019 | 5:00 – 10:00 PM Downtown Little Chute
AUGUST 2019 Member Orientation Thursday, August 1, 2019 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Concordia University Wisconsin 4351 W. College Avenue, Suite 100, Appleton Business Connection Tuesday, August 13, 2019 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM Waverly Beach Bar & Grille N8770 Fire Lane 1, Menasha
SEPTEMBER 2019 Business Connection Tuesday, September 10, 2019 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM Merchants’ Choice Card Services, LLC 118 N. Nash Street, Hortonville Business Breakfast Bytes Topic: “Creating Killer Social Media Content” Tuesday, September 17, 2019 | 7:30 – 9:00 AM Spectrum Reach 3520 E. Destination Drive, Appleton License to Cruise Friday, September 27, 2019 | 6:00 – 9:30 PM Downtown Appleton, College Avenue Octoberfest Saturday, September 28, 2019 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Downtown Appleton, College Avenue
OCTOBER 2019 Public Policy Luncheon: CEO of the City Tuesday, October 8, 2019 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Red Lion Hotel Paper Valley 333 W. College Avenue, Appleton
NOVEMBER 2019 2019 Fox Cities Chamber Pinnacle Awards Gala Thursday, November 21, 2019 | 5:00 – 8:00 PM Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Upcoming Events
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2019 BUSINESS AWARDS
2019 FOX CITIES CHAMBER BUSINESS
AWARDS RECIPIENTS
The 2019 Fox Cities Chamber Business Awards recipients were honored on May 7, 2019 at the Red Lion Hotel Paper Valley in Downtown Appleton. These annual awards recognize businesses and organizations in the Fox Cities that help make this a vibrant, innovative and dynamic community. The awards are given based on leadership, dedication and achievement. Businesses were recognized across five award categories, including: Business of the Year, Rising Star, Company Innovation, Exemplary Marketing Performance and Corporate Citizen Leadership.
Congratulations to this year’s award recipients!
Tundraland Home Improvements
The Chiropractic Advantage
Neenah Foundry
The Boldt Company
clearTREND Research, LLC
Fox Communities Credit Union
Coalesce Marketing and Design
NOVO Health
American National Bank Fox Cities
This event is made possible through the support of our generous sponsors. Thank you! PRESENTING SPONSOR
AWARD SPONSOR
VA L L E Y PAC K AG I N G I N D U S T R I E S , I N C . Rehabilitation Services • Custom Packaging • Integrated Work Force
“Skills for Work, Success for Life!”
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Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Business Awards
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
MULTI-MEDIA SPONSOR
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
CORPORATE CITIZEN LEADERSHIP
The Business of the Year award recognizes businesses for outstanding performance, growing and/or increasing jobs; increasing sales; overcoming adversity; and community contributions.
The Corporate Citizen Leadership award recognizes organizations with a philosophy of giving and community involvement that have made significant differences in the health and well-being of the Fox Cities. The award encourages and supports corporate social responsibility and community leadership.
SERVICE - Large Employer
SERVICE - Small Employer
Tundraland Home Improvements
Large Employer
Small Employer
Fox Communities Credit Union
American National Bank Fox Cities
The Chiropractic Advantage
MANUFACTURING
EXEMPLARY MARKETING PERFORMANCE The Exemplary Marketing Performance award recognizes organizations that have taken risks around their marketing and promotional practices that have ultimately improved revenue, communication, customer relationships, market share or visibility.
Neenah Foundry
Coalesce Marketing and Design
COMPANY INNOVATION The Company Innovation award acknowledges organizations that identify opportunities and execute creative-thinking and calculated risk-taking to bring innovation to the marketplace. Large Employer
Small Employer
The Boldt Company
clearTREND Research, LLC
RISING STAR The Rising Star award recognizes relatively new “up and coming� small businesses with a unique blend of vision, energy, perseverance, and skill. It is for ventures that have been in business less than five years and have experienced a strong start with the potential for growing into a prosperous enterprise in the future.
NOVO Health
Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Business Awards
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MEMBER EDITORIAL
Successful Companies Practice
COURAGE
What does it look like when your talented workforce is practicing courage? Is courage a key component of your business strategy and company culture? When our clients call us, it is a courageous act. The subject of the call is typically centered on what big changes they want to make in their organization, or something that is getting in the way of what will carry their business forward. If you think about it, any big change at work, in and of itself, is also courageous. Are you getting all the benefits from actively practicing courage at work? Let’s take a closer look at what courage at work looks like. They Feel the Fear and Act Anyway. People create, purchase and learn new technology while knowing that technology is evolving at an exponential rate. Technology change is shaping and re-shaping what work looks like. Many people are afraid of losing their jobs, their value, and their ability to perform in the new ways of work when technology changes are required. Business leaders often fear that their company will not be sustainable into the future if they do not lead or keep up with technological changes in their industry. Avoiding fear has been a key contributor for the demise of many companies. Consider Kodak. Are you old enough to remember the iconic yellow and black labels on small boxes of photographic films, once present on store shelves everywhere, that we had to bring to a store and wait to see if our snapshots turned out ok? Here is a question for you. Who created the first consumer-ready digital camera? It wasn’t Sony, or Apple. It wasn’t even Canon or Samsung or Fuji. It was Kodak. Unfortunately, Kodak was so afraid that their primary product, photographic film, would be replaced, that they decided they could win at business by strategically avoiding the technology shift, allowing a rising
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technology company that wanted to change the world, Apple, to brand the Kodak-developed digital camera. Meanwhile, Kodak focused on miniaturizing film-based cameras and making small innovations to improve (analog) photographic film and film processing products. They spent a fortune in time, money, and talent to produce and market what rapidly became obsolete. They Get Out of Their Comfort Zone. Where would Kodak be today if they had invested in moving forward with digital imaging solutions and working beyond their fear of market loss in photographic films? Companies that felt the fear and acted in ways that sabotaged their dying (analog) business models and replaced them with business models centered on digital products fared much better than Kodak.
They Follow Their Heart. Have you heard of Brandon Stanton? After graduating from the University of Georgia, Stanton landed a job in Chicago as a bond trader. Stanton talks frequently about how the money was great, and he loved being able to tell friends and family that he was a success — and not the drug-using, college dropout he had been before cleaning himself up and going back to school. But that success was very short-lived. Eight years ago, during the junk bond crash, Brandon Stanton became an out-of-work bond trader. But he always loved photography. They Suffer with Dignity. Stanton moved to New York City with a brand new camera and a vague idea to photograph 10,000 New Yorkers and plot their portraits on a map of the city. He survived on unemployment checks to “almost pay rent” and borrowed money from friends and family. He worked every day on his passion to share photos and stories. He went out and took hundreds of photos, engaged with strangers, and kept only what he deemed to be good and interesting, deleting thousands of his photos weekly. He did not buy new clothes for more than a year, and his modest apartment lacked furnishing. Today, Stanton is one of the most popular photographers and storytellers on the planet. “Humans of New York” (HONY) — the collection of short features about everyday people around the world — has more than 26 million followers on Facebook and Instagram. They Stand Up for What is Right. Stanton’s passion is industrious, philanthropic and contagious. In 2013, a fan noticed that HONY’s photos had been used without permission in DKNY’s window display at a store in Bangkok. After learning of the infringement, Stanton publicly asked DKNY to donate $100,000 in his name to the YMCA chapter in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of New York City. The donation request was shared over 40,000 times on Facebook, and after heavy pressure on social media sites, DKNY issued a public apology and agreed to donate $25,000. Stanton used Indiegogo to raise an additional $103,000. Brandon Stanton and HONY have raised over 8 million dollars to support causes like cancer research, YMCA, and ending bonded labor around the world. They Persevere When it is Not Easy. Walt Disney began his career in newspaper, but his boss thought he lacked creativity and fired him. So, Disney went out and formed an animation company called Laugh-O-Gram Films in 1921. He was able to raise $15,000 for the company ($200,000 in 2019 dollars) and made a deal with a New York distributor. When the distributor went out of business, Disney shut LaughO-Gram down, couldn’t pay rent and even resorted to eating dog food.
Fast-forward five years to 1926 when Disney created a cartoon character named Oswald the Rabbit, distributed by Universal Studios. When he attempted to negotiate a better deal with Universal, Disney discovered that Universal had secretly patented the Oswald character. Universal then hired Disney’s artists away from him and continued the cartoon without Disney’s input and without paying him. We know that Disney persisted and persevered when it was not easy. The organization itself perseveres to the extent that in 1996, The Disney Company purchased ABC. Here is a twist of fate: ABC was owner of the Kansas City Star, the newspaper that had once fired a young Walt Disney had now become part of the empire he created, and all thanks to his creativity and a lot of perseverance. Create a Culture of Courage at Work. Find ways to lead by example. Share and recognize acts of courage—big and small—among your talented workforce. The stories we have shared seem to indicate that these efforts not only allow others to enjoy sweet successes, the acts of courage are contagious and pay off in dividends. If you need help transitioning to a culture of courage, or with another transformation at work, we invite you to call the courageous and talented coaches and consultants at Change Management Communications Center LLC. You’ll benefit from advancing how leaders in your organization address change.
Contributed by: Tina Schuelke Executive Director Change Management Communications Center LLC
Tina Schuelke is the founder and Executive Director of Change Management Communications Center LLC (CMCC) in Oshkosh. Tina has led innovation, process, and behavior change in organizations for more than 30 years, advancing how leaders address change. CMCC is recognized as a Top 21 influencer to follow on Twitter @cmcCenter.
WANT TO CONTRIBUTE? Do you have knowledge, ideas or advice to share with other Fox Cities Chamber members? Contact Emily Feagles, Editor at: efeagles@foxcitieschamber.com about submitting an article.
Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Member Editorial
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Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Happenings
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1. Our March Business Breakfast Bytes session on business succession planning helped attendees learn about the journey of succession planning and available options. The presentation was facilitated by Jason Wellman from ESOP Partners LLC and included: Kim Bassett and Patty Van Ryzin from Bassett Mechanical; Sam Statz from Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction; and Bob Arnold, former owner and president of Vehicle Security Innovators, Inc.
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2. UA Local 400 Pipe Trades generously hosted our May Business Connection. Guests, both new and familiar faces, were able to network while learning more about the pipe trades. 3. The 2019 Economic Outlook Lunch was a success! Held on Valentine’s Day, many attended to hear from keynote speaker Elliot Eisenberg on the local, national and global economic trends. 4. Appleton’s Octoberfest Grant Committee of the Fox Cities Chamber presented the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center with a grant this Spring for their Center Stage High School Musical Theater Awards. Octoberfest continues its community impact tradition throughout the year by awarding grants to local non-profit organizations through proceeds from the prior year’s Octoberfest event.
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5. We are grateful to Canadian Consul General John Cruickshank and his team for making the trip to the Fox Cities and finding time to present at our April Public Policy Luncheon. We learned further about the unique relationship between Canada and Wisconsin along with the challenges and opportunities to our mutual prosperity. 6. The 2019 Business Awards Luncheon recognized many deserving businesses throughout the Fox Cities. Pictured here is a group representing The Boldt Company, this year’s Company Innovation award recipient in the large employer category. 7. Crowds of people gathered in the streets of Brillion for the first Bazaar After DarkTM night market event of 2019 in May. The public art display at the event, sponsored by Capital Credit Union, featured this beautiful mural by Jodie Naze entitled, “Brillion Pride”.
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8. A co-hosted ribbon cutting event with the Heart of the Valley Chamber was held this Spring for Mathnasium of East Appleton. Mathnasium is a math-only learning center that teaches math in a way that makes sense to students – for those who love math, struggle with math or are anywhere in between. 9. The Fox Cities Chamber was honored to participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of Blaze Sports & Fitness this Spring. They are a faith-based sports and wellness company with a state-of-the-art facility featuring a full-sized court for basketball and volleyball as well as a high-tech fitness center and meeting rooms. 10. The Fox Cities Chamber and Heart of the Valley Chamber joined together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of JP Graphics in early May. We toured their facility and learned about the business. Congratulations to 50 years of business success!
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11. Eagle Point Senior Living invited the Chamber to a ribbon cutting event for the grand opening of their new Respite Suite. Their beautiful facility provides an independent and assisted living community and endless amenities on the banks of the Fox River in Appleton. 12. The January Business Breakfast Bytes session featured a panel of experts sharing insight and knowledge on the value of investing in professional development for employees. The session was facilitated by Scott Jensen of Wisconsin Herd and included: Christie Evers from SECURA Insurance Companies, Dale Feinauer from UW Oshkosh’s College of Business, Tara King from Menasha Corporation, Sarah Schneider from Concordia University Appleton, Arthur Shattuck from Associated Bank and Amy Pearce from Lakeland University.
Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Happenings
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MEMBER EDITORIAL
37 Signs You Are An Emotionally
Intelligent Leader Who
SERVES AND
INSPIRES
The organizations that are attracting (and keeping!) top talent are the organizations that have authentically human workplaces. These superior cultures are always the direct result of servant leadership at all levels, boldly committed to emotional intelligence. I have had numerous coffee meetings with business leaders in the region where they’ve shared the incredible opportunity for improved organizational performance with learned emotional intelligence within their organizations. In order to successfully lead and inspire ourselves and others, and most importantly optimize our technical skills and knowledge, we must continually develop our emotional intelligence.
HERE ARE THE 37 SIGNS: You... 1. Model desired behaviors within the organization with professionalism.
12. Create an inclusive team where everybody has a voice and input.
2. Pause. Respond more and react less.
13. Feel confident about your own skills, talents and abilities.
3. Listen with curiosity. 4. Adapt quickly to different personalities, situations and strategy. 5. Are approachable. 6. Do not become emotionally hi-jacked by others’ drama and ego. 7. Disconnect from technology, unplug and are in the present moment.
15. Are comfortably uncomfortable in emotionallycharged situations. 16. Are a good judge of character. 17. Have difficult conversations with compassion and empathy. 18. Are not passive-aggressive.
8. Feel vulnerable in order to inspire and ignite innovation.
19. Communicate really important things in person.
9. Create mini-moments for self-reflection.
21. Embrace the suck with grit and resilience.
10. Have an accurate self-assessment of personal strengths and weaknesses. 11. Practice mindfulness.
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14. Feel the mood of the room you enter.
Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Member Editorial
20. Do not expect to be happy at all times. 22. Can pinpoint what triggers your stress and changing emotions.
23. Value quality over quantity in relationships. 24. Make human connection a priority. 25. Do not overreact to minor problems, “the small stuff”. 26. Ask for feedback and how to improve.
Services for Business & Industry
Customized. Innovative. Solutions.
27. Promote fun and playfulness. 28. Have a sense of humor and can laugh at yourself. 29 Look at life as infinite and promote legacy and community involvement. 30. Are ethical and have high integrity. 31. Put people first. 32. Put the mission of the company into action in the halls not only on the walls. 33. Inspire people to become the best versions of themselves. 34. Give credit and recognition for the little achievements. 35. Are authentic. 36. Promote family time. 37. Have faith and optimism during difficult, challenging times. To find resources on developing your individual and organizational emotional intelligence and leadership skills, visit employhumanity.com Contributed by: Bill Marklein Founder Employ Humanity
To stay competitive, you need to find, select and train new and existing employees. Let Fox Valley Technical College help you: • Find new employees • Evaluate with employee assessments • Enhance employee skills with seminars and customized training
Bill Marklein has his master’s degree in Corporate Communication from the University of WisconsinWhitewater with specialized expertise on emotional intelligence and humanconnection and has trained and developed the gamut from young professionals to educators to the c-suite across all industries. Marklein believes the biggest innovation in this world is igniting the leaders within our employees to create better workplaces, homes, neighborhoods and communities.
Contact our industry experts today!
fvtc.edu/EmployerResources • 920-735-2525
2019
PULSE Young Professionals Network, a program of the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce, is proud to recognize the 2019 Fox Cities Future 15 young professionals. This year’s outstanding young professionals were honored on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at Bubolz Nature Preserve in Appleton. The Fox Cities has thousands of young professionals who excel not only within their respective places of employment but also give back to our community in innumerable ways. These professionals shine new light on their diverse fields and positively influence our quality of life in the Fox Cities, an influence that plays an integral role in attracting and retaining talent in the area. Future 15 recipients are chosen based on their professional dedication, strong sense of vision for the future of the Fox Cities and personal commitment to philanthropy in the community they call home and beyond.
Chloe Albrecht Public Relations Manager, Element
Kristin Ausloos Financial Planning and Analysis Director, Faith Technologies
Vanessa Cebulski Senior Account Leader, BConnected, LLC
Jennifer Buelow Fischer Undergraduate Programs Director, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Nick Geffers Business Risk Manager, Thrivent Financial
Melissa Huempfner Development Specialist, Alzheimer’s Association of Wisconsin
Nicole Hurd Account Manager, Coalesce Marketing & Design
Rachel Janzen Manager of Patient CareCritical Care and Respiratory Care, Ascension St. Elizabeth Hospital
Josh Kilgas Workforce Engagement Officer, United Way Fox Cities
James Kilsdonk Vice PresidentCommercial Relationship Manager, Old National Bank
Ryan Lonergan Career Readiness Counselor, Patriot Enterprises, LLC
Nick Romenesko Systems Director, Gold Cross Ambulance Service, Inc.
Conner Stilp Realtor, Century 21 Ace Realty
Melissa Weyland Midwest East Regional Pool Manager, Organic Valley
Kristin Cates Marketing and Events Director, Volunteer Fox Cities
Congratulations to the 2019 Fox Cities Future 15 Young Professionals!
PULSE young professionals network
A PROGRAM OF
Presenting Sponsor:
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Fox Fox Cities Cities BUSiNESS BUSiNESS II Winter Spring/Summer 2018 I PULSE 2019Young I FUTURE Professionals 15
FO
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SATURDAY, SEPT. 28, 2019 • FOOD FARE • LIVE MUSIC • FAMILY FUN AREA • ARTS AND CRAFTS
Download the Octoberfest app at
For complete details, visit octoberfestonline.org
License to Cruise • Friday, Sept. 27, 2019 2019
College Avenue, Appleton, 6:00 – 9:30 pm • Enjoy the Doo-Wop Daddies
in Houdini Plaza • Street corner performers
throughout College Avenue
Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Winter 2018 I PULSE Young Professionals
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Public Policy
State Budget Provision Threatens Key Local
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOL
The state of Wisconsin invests in multiple, highly effective economic development programs to help attract private capital, strengthen critical industries and spur job creation. However, local communities which serve as the main engines that drive business growth and prosperity across the state have very few economic development tools at their disposal. In fact, Wisconsin municipalities only have one consistently reliable financial incentive to promote private development, tax base growth, and job opportunities: Tax Incremental Financing (TIF). It is a unique funding tool successfully used by communities across the state since 1975 to spur economic development that would not otherwise occur. Since its inception, TIF has increased property values in Wisconsin by over $16 billion. Gov. Tony Evers’ state budget proposal includes a troubling provision that would significantly diminish the value of TIF as a local economic development tool. The provision would place a 20% cap on TIF developer grants, and in the process basically eliminate use of pay-as-you-go TIF, discourage below-market redevelopment projects, and limit TIF flexibility for Wisconsin communities. When a municipality creates a Tax Incremental District (TID), the property value in the district is determined and becomes the TID’s base value. All taxing jurisdictions, including school districts and counties, continue to receive tax revenues from the base value. But as the value of the property within the TID grows, the increased tax collections are placed in a segregated fund used to pay for the project development costs associated with the TID. When a TID’s project costs are paid off, the increased tax revenue is shared with all taxing jurisdictions.
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Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Public Policy
Although the use of TIF varies from project to project and community to community, TIF is generally used by local governments to fund public infrastructure, redevelopment, and other incentives to attract new and expanding businesses. Tax incremental financing is not a tax break or a hand out to businesses, but rather a proven financial incentive that sparks development and ultimately reduces the tax burden of other taxpayers. Unfortunately, the budget provision to restrict TIF developer grants would put Wisconsin at a competitive disadvantage, radically altering the use of TIF in Wisconsin and jeopardizing its role as the most powerful economic development tool at the local level. Its potential impact on pay-as-you-go TIF is especially alarming.
The pay-as-you-go approach, which is increasingly used by Wisconsin municipalities, shifts the financial risk of development from the taxpayer to the developer. Under the PAYGO model, the developer funds the up-front cost of the project, and in exchange, the municipality agrees to provide financial incentives through new tax revenue generated by the TID. The state budget proposal would severely limit the use of pay-as-you-go TIF and shift the financial risk back to the local taxpayer. To illustrate the impact on future TIDs, a leading municipal financial advisor has said nearly 60 TIDs they have worked on since October of 2016 would not have occurred had the proposed 20% restriction been in place. The budget proposal would also make it more difficult for communities to redevelop older neighborhoods and more urban areas. These type of redevelopment projects often face unique challenges, such as obsolete buildings, contamination and decaying infrastructure. Without adequate financial incentives and flexible financing options provided by current TIF law, many of these redevelopment projects would not be economically possible and simply would not happen. Tax incremental financing in Wisconsin has long been a driver of local economic success, helping to revitalize urban corridors and bolster industrial growth in rural areas. Wisconsin can’t afford to lose this momentum, but instead must ensure TIF law is maximized to keep Wisconsin competitive in a global environment.
Contributed by: Michael Welsh Legislative Affairs and Communications Director Wisconsin Economic Development Agency (WEDA) Michael is the Legislative Affairs and Communications Director for the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA), a statewide professional trade association committed to making Wisconsin a better place to live, work and do business through economic development. Michael is a graduate of the University of Maryland, where he earned a BS in political science. After graduation, Michael launched his career in Wisconsin politics, working in the State Legislature as an aide to several legislators and a former governor. His experience in the State Capitol eventually led him to a career in government relations, including 12 years at Hoven Consulting, Inc., a leading lobbying firm in Madison, before joining WEDA in 2016. He is also a United States Navy veteran.
It’s imperative for lawmakers to remove the proposed TIF developer grant limit from the state budget bill and preserve the flexibility needed for municipalities to engage directly in economic development.
The potential IMPACT to economic development in our communities. Perspective from a local municipality. As many local government officials and municipal professionals in Wisconsin already know, Tax Increment Financing is simply the most effective and useful tool in Wisconsin’s economic development tool kit. It is disheartening to hear that the current budget process in Madison contains language that would hamper development across the state of Wisconsin.
Contributed by: James P. Fenlon Village Administrator Village of Little Chute
Without a single doubt, the types of limits that are being discussed, had they been in effect years ago, would have stalled some larger projects right here in Little Chute. These projects have delivered hundreds of employment opportunities to the Fox Cities and created tens of millions of dollars of property value. The other alarming fact is these projects had pressure from other states. Simply stated, without TIF, Wisconsin would have lost the employment, tax base and economic output. The Village of Little Chute would welcome the administration or legislature to see first-hand how Tax Increment Financing, when used responsibly, creates thriving communities.
Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Public Policy
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The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce Announces the 2018-2019
LEADERSHIP FOX CITIES GRADUATES
Adam Anders Cara Bartel Cindy Budiac Cristi Burrill Tyler Claringbole Dan DeBraal Brian Enders Ignacio Enriquez Jennifer Buelow Fischer Bret Gerrits JD Gildemeister Jeremy Gritton Lacy Hardy Ross Johnson Mylea Juidici James Kilsdonk Andrew Konkel Ryne Lodl
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Miller Electric Mfg., LLC Eric Marcoe Employment Resource Group Alyssa Matelski Stewart Title Jennifer McIntosh U.S. Venture Adam Missell Herrling Clark Law Firm Ltd. Bryan Mueller Network Health Insurance Susan Paulus Northeast Asphalt Sarah Peotter Appleton Police Department Wes Powell UW Oshkosh College of Business Ariela Rosa Ascension Wisconsin St. Elizabeth Hospital Sarah Schneider Titletown Brewing Co. Lucas Schultz Wipfli LLP Melissa Selig Sunflower Spa Joe Sturzl Huntington National Bank Nicholas Vargosko Aurora Health Care Ken Vogel Old National Bank Mel Willis United Way Fox Cities Adam Winch Pillars Trenten Woelfel
Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Leadership Fox Cities
Miron Construction Co., Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fox Valley Region
Fox Valley Technical College Appvion Thrivent Financial Lakeside Engineers, LLC Miller Electric Mfg., LLC Goodwill NCW Lawrence University Concordia University Bank First American National Bank Fox Cities Nicolet National Bank CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP Life Promotions We Energies Winch Financial Outagamie County
Since 1991, the program’s mission teaches participants to be imaginative and informed leaders in the community, while preparing them for leadership roles in their place of business. The class completed a nine-month leadership program which began in September 2018. Class members attended monthly group sessions highlighting topics that covered accolades and challenges in the Fox Cities. The program culminated with the completion of six small group projects. These projects were designed to raise awareness of an issue, improve team skills and ignite positive change in the Fox Cities.
“We came together as 36 local business people, accustomed to competing for business, to invest our time, money and energy to make the Fox Cities a better place,” shared class speaker Ken Vogel. “This is home for us, and we spent nine months learning how it got to where it is, so we can help take it to places it has never been.”
To learn more about Leadership Fox Cities or the Leadership Fox Cities Alumni Association, contact Amy Schanke, Director of Leadership Fox Cities, at (920) 7347101 or aschanke@foxcitieschamber.com.
LFC Small Group Projects Benefitting the Fox Cities CATALPA To coordinate the creation of a marketing video designed to enhance the patient experience for adolescent patients and their families when going to Catalpa Health. Their team assisted in the creation of marketing video(s) highlighting the programs and services that Catalpa offers and the journey the adolescent patients and their families will enter into when becoming a patient at Catalpa Health. PAWSIBLE, THE GIVING LION To repurpose Smarty Pants, which was part of the 2007 “Lions of the Valley,” in partnership with the Red Lion Paper Valley Hotel’s Promise Committee and Fox Valley Technical College. Smarty Pants will be redesigned, renamed, and displayed in the Red Lion Paper Valley Hotel lobby. As part of the redesign, the lion will become a piggy bank and a central place where donations can be made to local organizations. In order to sustain the project, the hotel’s Promise Committee will take ownership of the Pawsible’s marketing and the collection and distribution of the donations. They will determine how the donations will be distributed on a monthly basis. One month annually, the donations will be provided to a scholarship fund at Fox Valley Technical College. SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS The objective of their project is to develop a business case and playbook that is a working tool to be used as a catalyst for rooftop development in the Fox Cities. The intention is to bring the use of rooftop space to the forefront of building and business owners not only as an additional revenue opportunity, but to provide the residents and guests of the Fox Cities with a way to enjoy the beautiful communities we live in from a vantage point not experienced before. The playbook is designed to be a guide that outlines considerations for having a rooftop venue: what the rooftop can be used for, why is it a viable option, how to begin the process of creating a rooftop space, who to contact for assistance, and what options and requirements are necessary for a rooftop to be functional. The playbook also provides contact information of resources in the community and outlined information of the various phases of the project based upon actual examples of buildings toured in downtown Appleton.
RESTORATIVE SPACE To create a safe physical space inside Appleton East High School where students can go to take time for a mental, emotional, or physical health break during their school day. The renovation includes new furniture, fixtures, and wall and floor treatments focused on enhancing the physical and mental health of students. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? United Way’s 2-1-1 is an information and referral service that provides free, confidential information and referrals for individuals that are struggling with challenges in their lives. Most individuals, unless they work in the human/ social services industry or have been in an unfortunate situation themselves, are unaware of United Way’s 2-1-1 and what it provides. To increase awareness and understanding of United Way’s 2-1-1 among youth, particularly high school students in the Fox Cities, they engaged with the Willems Student Marketing Team in a public service announcement content. PSAs, 30 seconds in length, will be created by small groups of students for use by United Way Fox Cities and for distribution to area high schools. INTERSECTOR One objective of the InterSector initiative is to connect non-profits with skilled talent in organizations to support short term projects related to business operations. Their group partnered with the InterSector team to gather insights from local businesses, which were then used to develop pilot ideas. Ultimately their group is hoping to build momentum for the InterSector team and help gain visibility for the initiative.
LEADERSHIP FOX CITIES A PROGRAM OF
Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Leadership Fox Cities
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MEMBER MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES January - June 90 YEARS AT&T The Post-Crescent
15 YEARS
Christensen & Wisnet, Inc. George’s Steak House
Capital Credit Union Coalesce Marketing & Design Cranky Pat’s Pizzeria & Pub Epiphany Law, LLC Fox River Insurance & Financial Services Fratello’s Riverfront Restaurant NEW Title Services, Inc. Roto-Rooter Sewer Village of Fox Crossing Wal-Mart Supercenter #2986
40 YEARS
10 YEARS
50 YEARS
Bemis Company, Inc. Mechanical Contractors Association of North Central WI OMNNI Associates
45 YEARS
Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP
35 YEARS
Amusement Devices, Inc. FOX CITIES Magazine Hoffman Planning, Design, & Construction, Inc
30 YEARS
Carew Concrete & Supply Co., Inc. Elmstar Electric Corporation Gries Architectural Group Inc. Home Builders Association of the Fox Cities
25 YEARS
Fireline Sprinkler Corporation Gunderson Family Companies JMF Special Services, Inc. Northwind IP Law Schuler & Associates, Inc. St. Francis Xavier Catholic School System. Inc. Utility Sales & Service, Inc.
Arcways, Inc. Guident Business Solutions, LLC Habitat For Humanity Northeast Asphalt, Inc. - A Walbec Group Company PMI Entertainment Group Red Shoes Inc. Wisconsin Business Development Finance Corporation
5 YEARS
A to Z Machine Co., Inc. A to Z Vending & Food Service, Inc. Brettschneider-Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel Comfort Suites Appleton Airport Forward Service Corporation Graef-USA Inc. Kwik Trip, Inc STL Staffing TML Auto, LLC UltraCom Wireless - U.S. Cellular Authorized Agent Watters Plumbing, Inc.
20 YEARS
Carow Land Surveying Co., Inc. Dental Haven, SC Investors Community Bank Modern Cash Register Systems Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., Inc. Ziebart RhinoLinings 26
Thank you for your continuous years of membership and support as a Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce member! These loyal businesses are what make the Fox Cities a vibrant place to live, work and play.
Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Member Milestone Anniversaries
WELCOME New Members December 2018 - April 2019
ACCEDE, LLC
Gerbers Law, S.C.
MJI Building Services, LLC
Thermach, Inc.
AIA Corporation
Hands to Heart, LLC
OEM Technologies, LLC
Vermeer Wisconsin
Almost Family
Home2 Suites
Richeson School of Art & Gallery
VF-142 LLC
Blaze Sports & Fitness
Human Resources Consulting, LLC
Sherwin-Williams – Neenah #3989
Waverly Beach
Smart IS International
Weatherguard Systems LLC
StrongChiropracticOfficeS.C.–Appleton
Your CBD Store
StrongChiropracticOfficeS.C.–Neenah
TheFoxCitiesChamberreliesonmembers tocontinueitsworkinpromotingbusiness intheFoxCitiesRegion.Withoutthese committedmembers,theChamberwouldnot beabletoprovidethehighqualityservicesit is known for.
PO Box 2504 Appleton, WI 54912-2504 (920) 858-0811 https://accedellc.biz/ Business Services 800 W. Winneconne Avenue Neenah, WI 54956-3196 (920) 886-3766 https://aiacommunity.com/ Advertising 880 S. Oneida Street, Ste E Menasha, WI 54952-2687 (920) 729-6165 https://lhcgroup.com/ Health Care Provider 230 S. McCarthy Road Appleton, WI 54914-8613 (920) 750-5180 https://blaze365.com/ Fitness Club
Concentrix
W6280 Aerotech Drive Appleton, WI 54914-8543 (920) 225-9013 https://www.concentrix.com/ Advertising & Media
Culture Index – Wisconsin
6781 Alpine Drive West Bend, WI 53090-9335 (262) 305-2502 https://www.cultureindex.com/ Business Organization/Development
Employ Humanity
503 N. Milwaukee Street Plymouth, WI 53073-1131 (920) 723-5101 https://www.employhumanity.com/ Leadership&ManagementDevelopment
2391 Holmgren Way, Ste A Green Bay, WI 54304-4751 (920) 499-5700 https://www.gerberslaw.com/ Attorneys PO Box 1911 Appleton, WI 54912-1911 (920) 209-9911 http://handstoheartllc.com/ Education & Training Consultant 5155 W. Grande Market Drive Appleton, WI 54913-8787 (920) 739-8440 https://home2suites3.hilton.com/en/index.html Hotel / Motel 1546 Dousman Street Green Bay, WI 54303-3208 http://hrconsultingpartners.net/ Human Resource Consulting & Services
Independent Solar LLC
E2614 Bags Hill Road Waupaca, WI 54981-9072 (920) 740-9123 https://independent-solar.com/ Solar Electric Systems
Life Tools Tutoring, LLC
105 Oakridge Court Combined Locks, WI 54113-1259 (920) 284-9536 https://lifetoolstc.com/ Education & Training Consultant
Milis Flatwork
W4567 Cty Road KK Kaukauna, WI 54130-8795 (920) 949-1482 http://milisflatwork.com/ Construction Services
109 E. 8th Street, Ste 300 Kaukauna, WI 54130-2309 (920) 462-4382 https://www.buildwithmji.com/ General Contractor – Design/Build 2927 N. Roemer Road Appleton, WI 54911-8633 (920) 733-3070 http://www.oemtechnologies.us Machine Shop 557 Marcella Street Kimberly, WI 54136-1760 (920) 560-3777 https://richesongallery.com/ Art & Frame Gallery
1165 W. Winneconne Avenue, Ste A Neenah, WI 54956-9999 (920) 729-5927 https://www.sherwin-williams.com/ Paint & Wallpaper Store 300 Ohio Street Oshkosh, WI 54902-5827 (920) 303-0470 https://www.smart-is.com/ Information Technology Services
1801 N. Richmond Street Appleton, WI 54915 (920) 831-4110 https://www.strongchiropractic.com/ Chiropractor 1426 S. Commercial Street Neenah, WI 54956-4638 (920) 725-0800 https://www.strongchiropractic.com/ Chiropractor
PO Box 1995 Appleton, WI 54912-1995 (920) 779-4299 http://www.thermach.com/ Machine Shop 2304 Kelbe Drive Little Chute, WI 54140-1202 (920) 687-9988 https://www.vermeerwisconsin.com/ Construction Services 3221 E. Northshore Boulevard, #146 Appleton, WI 54915-5520 (920) 915-7182 https://vf-142.com/ Management Consultant N8770 Firelane 1 Menasha, WI 54952-9484 (920) 733-9721 https://www.waverlybeach.com/ Sports Bar 5530 Neubert Road, Ste 100 Appleton, WI 54913-6535 (920) 731-7071 http://weatherguardsystems.com/ Home Improvements 3402 N. Richmond Street, Unit B Appleton, WI 54911-8581 (920) 968-7223 https://cbdrx4u.com/find-us/wisconsin/appleton Health & Wellness
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LIVE
A career connection event
NOT YOUR TYPICAL CAREER EXPO! This two-day event, hosted in March, provided nearly 3,000 local students with an opportunity to connect with businesses and organizations across many career clusters. The first day of the event welcomed 8th grade students who visited over 70 booths and engaged in conversations with over 120 professionals about their careers, providing one-of-a-kind awareness to career opportunities available in the Fox Cities. High school students in grades 9 - 12 experienced a conference format that focused on making connections with local employers through career exploration opportunities such as job
shadows, informational interviews and business hosted events; career path opportunities such as internships or youth apprenticeships; and employment opportunities. Mark your calendars – the 2020 two-day career exploration event is scheduled for March 4 – 5, 2020 with a new name, Future Fox Cities. The event will build upon the impact of Your Future LIVE to continue to provide career exploration conversations and opportunities for our local students and to get in front of the future workforce. Businesses interested in participating can learn more and apply at foxcitieschamber.com beginning in June 2019.
Thank you to our Sponsors! Presenting Sponsors
Your Future LIVE Kickoff Reception Sponsor
Zone Sponsors
Volunteer Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin • School Specialty
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Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Your Future LIVE
FOX CITIES CHAMBER
SUPPORTERS CHAMPIONS OF THE COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY INFLUENCERS
COMMUNITY BUILDERS
COMMUNITY NEIGHBORS
COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS
Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Chamber Supporters
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MEMBER Spotlights
Member Spotlights are included in your membership package at the Grow ($700) level or above. Please contact MiKayla Kunde for more information by email: mkunde@foxcitieschamber.com or (920) 734-7101. The Fox Cities Chamber is grateful for all of our members. We offer resources and benefits to help your business grow and prosper. Not sure of the benefits at your level of membership? Please contact us!
The American Cancer Society is on a mission to save lives, celebrate lives and lead the fight for a world without cancer. Their unique, comprehensive cancerfighting approach covers the entire spectrum – from research, education and prevention to treatment, recovery and support for patients, caregivers and long-term survivors. They rally communities by participating in fundraising events such as Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Relay For Life and Sole Burner 5K Walk/Run. For more information, contact Heather Van Vonderen at heather.vanvonderen@cancer.org or 920.321.1362.
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Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Member Spotlights
ACE CPA, LLC provides technical tax and accounting knowledge for small to mid-size businesses and helps taxpayers with tax collection issues. Their clients typically include small and mid-size businesses as well as individuals. They are continuing to grow in the Fox Valley with their focus and unique knowledge in collections, real estate, foreign/expat tax issues, bars/taverns and tax collection issues. For more information, visit acecpallc.com
Canteen Catering offers professional full-service catering at affordable prices with a wide selection of unique menus to accommodate all tastes and budgets. They specialize in corporate and social functions such as company picnics, luncheons, holidays and more. They can assist you with the catering and coordination of your event planning needs by providing the finest food, tastefully prepared by their culinary staff and creatively presented by their service personnel. For more information, visit canteencateringnortheastwisconsin.catertrax.com.
For 20 years, Care Partners Country Terrace Assisted Living has provided seniors that need assisted living, dementia care and respite care with caring staff that are highly trained in exemplary service and complete customer satisfaction. They pledge to serve each resident with kindness, respect, compassion and professionalism. Their goal is to ensure their residents and loved ones see the difference in care received. They believe that quality of life for a person can be significantly improved by creating an environment that allows for daily life choices. For more information, visit carepartners-countryterrace.com.
Founded in 1948, Heid Music specializes in being a community music resource. A third-generation family-owned business, they carry the most reputable brands spanning band, orchestra, piano, percussion, guitars and print music, and they are a trusted leader in supporting school music programs. They provide band and orchestral rentals, repair service, and an education center with group and private lessons. Proud to be named a top 50 music retailer in the U.S. by Music Trades Magazine, they welcome everyone to stop in and explore the joy of making music.
CASA of the Fox Cities advocates for abused and neglected children in our local courts (ages 0 – 18) to achieve placement in safe and permanent homes. They are seeking caring individuals who can give their time as an advocate, board member or through other resources such as funding. CASA advocates provide immediate support across the entire spectrum of a child’s needs so that the child can thrive. A child with a CASA advocate will spend less time in foster care, is less likely to reenter foster care and is less likely to be bounced from home to home. For more information, visit casafc.org.
Innovative Services, Inc. works with kids, adolescents and adults with varying abilities throughout the community. They provide support for assisted living, crisis intervention, mental health, behavioral health and various other needs specific for each person. Started in 2004, they strive to give those with developmental disabilities the best quality of life. They are assessing various locations to see how technology can assist in keeping clients safe and independent in their own homes. For more information, visit isiinc.org.
For more information, visit heidmusic.com or facebook.com/heidmusic.
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Mark’s East Side provides great food and service six days a week. They offer weekly specials, a fresh fish entrÊe and popular German entrees. Customers appreciate the details in their dining experience, including the superior service, homemade food and many drink options. As of January 1st, 2019, head chef Alex Shea (pictured above with his family) became part owner of Mark’s East Side. Both Mark and Alex remain involved in the business.
Modern Woodmen of America is a member-owned fraternal financial services organization. With more than 750,000 members, they help families and businesses plan for their financial futures.
For more information, visit markseastside.com.
For more information, visit modernwoodmen.org.
Sadoff E-Recycling & Data Destruction provides customized solutions to businesses and individuals offering confidentiality, security and protection to help their clients manage end-of-life technology, data and electronic assets. They offer sustainable solutions to provide security to avoid negative impacts from a potential data breach with outdated equipment. They also offer assistance with electronics recycling collections for business. For more information, visit sadoffecycle.com.
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Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Member Spotlights
Since 1883, they have helped secure futures with financial guidance and products while supporting families and strengthening communities. According to recently released year-end results, their fraternal contributions in 2018 were $238,126.87 to organizations and residents in Northeast Wisconsin.
Shea Electric & Communications, LLC is a fullservice commercial electrical contractor serving seven counties in Northeast and Central Wisconsin. Founded in 2006, they are built on the foundation of faith, character and knowledge. Their focus and attention to detail, cutting-edge technology and commitment to safety have made them a go-to source for commercial electrical installations and services. For more information, visit sheaelectricllc.com.
Since 1993, TECC Security Systems Inc. has been serving the Fox Valley and surrounding areas providing peace-of-mind residential and commercial security needs: from intrusion detection, fire prevention, surveillance systems to smart home automation. Offering professional installations, service and 24/7 monitoring; our dedicated team is equipped to tackle projects of all sizes, excelling in new builds, residential and small businesses looking for a longterm partnership our clients can trust. Contact us for a free consultation to review your current situation and security needs. For more information, please visit teccsecurity.com.
As a community-focused media company, Woodward Radio Group takes pride in providing exceptional customer service by creating meaningful connections with their audience and supporting the career and personal development of their employee-owners. They produce digital content, including live streaming of their radio stations, original podcasts, live video streaming of local high school sports, in-studio music performances and more. WRG operates WAPL, KISS FM, WHBY, Razor, Score and KZ in the Oshkosh, Appleton and Green Bay markets. For more information, visit wcinet.com.
von Briesen & Roper, s.c. is a Wisconsin-based law firm with offices throughout the state and more than 20 lawyers in Northeast Wisconsin. They have transformed the traditional law firm into a modern platform for legal innovation. They combine industry leading expertise with innovative technology and a creative approach to problemsolving. They are a group of specialists, committed to practicing only in the areas where they have recognized expertise, to serve today’s sophisticated consumers of legal services. Their attorneys are known in the community as leaders who possess the perseverance and commitment to make a difference. For more information, visit vonbriesen.com.
Writing by Design provides marketing communications for local, national and international clients of all sizes including developing marketing strategy and ideation; copywriting, design and digital; and serving as an extension of in-house marketing teams. They are also one of only a few U.S. agencies providing specialized concept writing services for Consumer Packaged Goods companies. Writing by Design is more than just writing! While their foundation will always include solid strategy and crystal clear copy, they have expanded their services to support clients with solutions that include producing radio spots, designing magazine ads, developing live and animated videos and more. For more information, visit writingbydesignllc.com.
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MEMBER EDITORIAL
Cellcom offers IoT Solutions for
BUSINESS
Cellcom has introduced a line-up of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to help businesses manage and monitor various aspects of their operations. The IoT solutions from Monnit are a collection of wireless sensors that are embedded with power and internet connectivity to remotely monitor elements, activity, conditions, materials and more. There are more than 60 sensors available that monitor everything from air and water temperature, to motion and vibration, to gas and electricity and more. These wireless sensors are battery powered, hardwired for AC or solar powered and work with a Monnit gateway and Cellcom’s Cradlepoint router to send alerts to a user based on sensor data. These real-time alerts can be delivered via text, email, mobile application or web portal and are designed to help businesses constantly monitor aspects of their operation without manpower.
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Deploying an IoT sensor can save time, money and resources. Use cases range from detecting problems early before they become bigger, more expensive ones or automatically tracking assets for security and efficiency. They could also be installed to monitor conditions to identify optimal trends or harmful environments. From retail to agriculture, property management to industrial settings, the sensors have applications for a host of vertical markets. Cellcom IoT solutions are easy to deploy and easy to maintain with a 10+ year battery life, over-the-air updates and no additional software required. Sensors start at $79.95 and monthly service plans start at just $6/ month. To learn more visit www.cellcom.com/IoT or visit www. youtube.com/mycellcom for a look at some of the sensors in action.
Fox Cities BUSiNESS I Spring/Summer 2019 I Member Editorial
Expert, local care for the whole family With ThedaCare, you have access to the area’s most complete healthcare services (950 providers, 60 specialties) – from pediatric care to primary care to orthopedic care to cancer care and more.
ThedaCare.org
Insist
on the best
As a business owner, you want the best for your company. The best opportunities. The best employees. The best facilities. Hoffman can help you create the ideal workspace for your company to grow and thrive. Your business deserves first-rate facilities. You deserve a partner ready to make that happen. Visit us at hoffman.net.
Golf courses are a great place to conduct business, let Reid be your business recreation solution today!
Business Annual Pass at Reid Golf Course includes 18-hole foursome with 2 carts daily
Endless Outing options can accommodate up to 144 players and be tailored to your exact needs
For details contact jeff.plasschaert@appleton.org
“A Great Place in Your Community to Golf!” Reid Golf Course
1100 East Fremont St. Appleton, WI 54915 (920) 832-5926 | www.reidgolfcourse.org
FULL-SERVICE IN-HOUSE SOLUTIONS THAT HELP SHAPE OUR COMMUNITIES
920 751 4200
VALUES • CULTURE R E L AT I O N S H I P S
MCMGRP.COM
• FOR OVER 100 YEARS •
Fox Cities Chamber
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Fox Cities Chamber BUSiNESS C/o Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. 125 N. Superior Street Appleton, WI 54911
Mark likes health plans that help make it more convenient for his employees to get access to the care they need. Like plans with $0 copays for primary care, urgent care and online doctor visits. If you’re like Mark, you’ll like UnitedHealthcare. Visit uhc.com/WI Plan benefits and programs may vary. Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Health Plan coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare of Wisconsin, Inc. 8494627.0 3/19 ©2019 United HealthCare Services, Inc. 18-10762-A