A MESSAGE FROM THE 2015 AC BOARD CHAIR “Previously, Fond du Lac was a place I drove past to go somewhere else. I didn’t have an inkling to stop but what I’ve found after working here for ten years is that Fond du Lac is a destination, not a place to pass.” – Rick Parks
The art of “telling it like it is” is just that, an art. It’s a delicate balance of honesty and understanding. In the world of business it’s a skill inherent to the most successful and passionate individuals. Anyone in the insurance business knows its power; the ability to build trust, develop relationships, propel ideas and encourage innovation. Which is exactly the case for the 2015 chair of the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce Board of Directors, Mr. Rick Parks, president and CEO of Society Insurance. Parks strongly supports the mission and vision of the Association of Commerce (AC) and in January of 2015, Parks began his one-year term as AC board chairman. This year’s agenda is set to expand the organization’s advances in workforce and community development, as well as
continue to provide exclusive benefits, networking opportunities and educational programming to assist members. In leading the AC in 2015, Parks has a unique perspective on the organization and its value in the Fond du Lac community. “You never know when you are going to need insurance,” explained Parks. “And if you don’t have it, you don’t have it. The same goes for our Association of Commerce; and trust me, coming from an insurance guy that’s a pretty powerful sentiment.” Parks went on to explain the impact of the AC and the coverage it provides the Fond du Lac business community. “Our collective power to represent member interests and be the voice of business in Fond du Lac is invaluable. Our capabilities are incredible and in continuing the successes of 2014, it is an exciting time for the Association and the entire Fond du Lac community.” The growth and development of numerous workforce initiatives in 2015 is certainly top of mind. Strategic developments have made way for innovative ideas and ground-breaking resources and programming, culminating in the launch of Fond du Lac Works – a division of the AC. In addition to community and business development, the AC continues to deliver unparalleled business services. The work of various divisions ensures that the needs of businesses, organizations and employees are met. Professional development through the Human
Resources Association, Safety Council, Leadership Fond du Lac program and the Young Professionals of Fond du Lac continues to aid employers in their need for a skilled and dedicated workforce; and the social connections made establish stronger ties to the Fond du Lac community. And the uniqueness of the Agricultural Ambassador program and work of the Agri-Business Council brings value to the Fond du Lac community unlike anything else. “My first introduction to the Association and really the Fond du Lac community was through participating in the Leadership Fond du Lac program,” recalled Parks. “The experience opened me up to what the AC has to offer and I started picking around the edges, learning what I could get involved in and how I could better serve.” “There are so many things going on through the AC,” stated Parks. “Beyond the services and opportunities provided to members, how much you personally gain from everything you get involved with, the skills you develop and the lessons learned are huge. And the results go right back to employers and member businesses, a winwin.” Having lived and worked in many communities, Parks brings a unique perspective when it comes to his role as 2015 AC board chairman. “My observation of Fond du Lac is that we have a strong sense of proactively advancing the community,” stated Parks. “The commitment of people working together is an incredible asset and it is an honor to serve in this capacity.”
PAST AC CHAIRS E.J. Perry William Mauthe T.E. Ahern H.F. Wetter G.L. Gloyd M. Fitzsimmons A.D. Sutherland L.G. Korrer J.P. Hess E.J. Stenz H.C. Berndt W.L. Ainsworth William E. Rutz Emery Martin Sr. H.B. Kraut W.A. O’Brien J.B. Atkinson
1912-13 1914 1915 1916-17 1918-20 1921-22 1923-24 1925-26 1927-28 1929-30 1931-33 1934-35 1936 1937-38 1939-40 1941-42 1943-44
R.E. Hanson J.C. Kiley Clarence Sheridan Ben Sadoff A.L. Edgarton Carlton Mauthe Dr. K.K. Borsack Andre J. Perry Fred Whitely J.L. Hanish J.S. Berger Sr. C.L. Ludden William J. Nuss William A. Sanders Louie A. Lange Sr. George P. Andrew C.E. Rodman
1945-46 1947-48 1949-50 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964
Arthur Sadoff Dr. E.H. Pawsatt Fred C. Freund David W. Tack A.D. Edgarton George F. Hutter Burton C. Peters Louie A. Lange Jr. C.W. Kurth R.J. Deitte Robert L. Wilson Robert B. Frieler R.P. Sorenson Donald G. Jones H. Thomas Hierl Steven Stone D.N. Langkamp
1965 1966-67 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981
F. William Harvat James J. Sexton Alan D. Storzer Wayne N. Huberty Dr. Willard Henken Walter M. Tack Roger B. Sattler Michael Casper Jean Winkler Dale G. Brooks H. Jack Pollei Thomas Tobin Jr. Robert W. Carew Barbara A. Siehr Michael Burch Steven Millin Richard Kleinfeldt
1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
Michael Spaude James W. Neumann Robert A. Fale John St. Peter James Chatterton Wayne Matzke John E.“Tripp” Ahern III Mark Hopper Carol Hyland Gary Ott Lisa Washa Alan Hathaway Stephen Peterson Steve Little Steve Cramer Tim McFarlane
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
F O N D D U L A C A R EA A S S O C I AT I O N O F C O M M E RC E 2015 A N N UA L R E P O RT 3