January 2013
What’s Inside Most Ridiculous Lawsuits Secret Cash Stash Carry Health Insurance or Pay Penalty Meet the Board Are Your Customers Using Social Media?
Bridal Elegance Making Your Day Beautiful
Member Spotlight – Bridal Elegance
101 E. Wisconsin Avenue | Kaukauna, WI 54130 920.766.1616 www.heartofthevalleychamber.com
Upcoming Events Advocacy Council Meeting January 11, 2013 7:30am to 9:00am Chamber Office Board of Directors Meeting January 15, 2013 12 noon Chamber Office Health Care Reform Update January 17, 2013 8:00am to 10:00am Bordini Center Stay Healthy at Work Workplace Wellness January 22, 2013 8:00am to 9:00am Chamber Office P.M. Connect January 31, 2013 4:30pm to 6:30pm Debbie Daanen Photography A.M. Connect Relationship Building February 5, 2013 7:30am—9:00am Chamber office Annual Awards Dinner February 20, 2013 MARK YOUR CALENDARS!! Register for Chamber events Phone 920-766-1616 Online www.heartofthevalleychamber.com 2
Heart Beat | January, 2013
P.M. Connect
Join fellow Chamber members for a night of networking and fun! There is no cost to attend, P.M. Connects are included with your Chamber Membership!
Thursday, January 31 4:30p.m. - 6:30p.m. Debbie Daanen Studio 310 W. Northland Ave., Appleton www.debbiedaanen.com
Debbie will be offering business portrait photos!
Are you interested in hosting a P.M. Connect? For more information, contact Kelli at 920.766.1616 or email kclussman@heartofthevalleychamber.com
ObamaCare What You Need to Know Before the Health Care Train Hits You! ObamaCare presents the nation's employers with a number of extremely difficult decisions. Perhaps nothing illustrates the selection of no-good-choices better than the requirement that businesses offer expensive insurance or pay a penalty. The uncertainty surrounding the employer mandate is just the tip of the ambiguity iceberg that is the health care law. Unlike big businesses, most small employers are navigating the law's unclear seas without the luxury of human-resources and legal departments to help translate the endless details. Participants on this panel discussion will try to answer your questions about ObamaCare. Panel Participants: Dan Schwartzer - Deputy Insurance Commissioner of Wisconsin Barb Bader- Fox Valley CPA’s, LLC Chris Hanson - Hanson Benefits, Inc. Maureen Lawson - Network Health Plan
Thursday January 17, 2013 8:00am to 10:00am - (doors open at 7:30am) FVTC D.J. Bordini Center 5 North Systems Drive, Appleton, WI 54912
This event is free to attend but reservations are appreciated. You can register by calling 920.766.1616 or online at www.heartofthevalleychamber.com Sponsors: Fox Valley CPA’s, Hanson Benefits & The Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce, www.heartofthevalleychamber.com
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Heart Beat | January, 2013
YOUR AD HERE Our newsletter is an affordable way to advertise your business. The publication is sent via email at the beginning of each month and reaches over 11,000. All ads are full color and can be linked to your company’s website at no additional charge. Black and white ads are acceptable. Heart Beat Newsletter Options Purchasing Size 1 Month 3 Months 6 Months 1/4 Page: □ $100 □ $250 □ $475 1/2 Page: □ $150 □ $400 □ $775 Full Page: □ $200 □ $525 □ $900 Back Cover: □ $300 □ $750 □ $1200
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Email Bobbie at bbeckman@heartofthevalleychamber to reserve your ad space.
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Top Ten
Most Ridiculous Lawsuits
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute of Legal Reform (ILR) published its list of the Top Ten Most Ridiculous Lawsuits of 2011, as voted on by the public. Topping the annual list was a case filed by a kidnapper against his victims for not helping him evade the police. That lawsuit earned more than 54% of votes. Voters made their selections on www.facesoflawsuitabuse.org. Lawsuits nominated for the most ridiculous distinction appeared in monthly polls throughout the year. The list of lawsuits varied from a woman who sued a store for $5 million over an $0.80 refund dispute, to an obese man who sued a burger joint due to the tight squeeze of their booths. “While these lawsuits vary from the outrageous to the humorous, abusive litigation is hardly a laughing matter,” says ILR President Lisa Rickard. “ILR’s annual poll of ridiculous lawsuits helps to remind us that abusive lawsuits affect real people and real businesses, and can have harmful results to lives, jobs, and even our economic growth.”
The top ten Most Ridiculous Lawsuits of 2011 are: Kidnapper sues victims for not helping him evade the police Man illegally brings gun into bar, gets injured in a fight, then sues bar for not searching him for a weapon Young adults sue mother for sending cards without gifts and playing favorites Woman disagrees with store over 80¢ refund, sues for $5 million Mom files suit against exclusive preschool over child’s college prospects Man suing for age discrimination says judge in his case is too old Obese man sues burger joint over tight squeeze in booths Woman sues over movie trailer; says not enough driving in ‘Drive’ Passenger’s lawsuit says cruise ship went too fast and swayed from side to side Mother sues Chuck E. Cheese – says games encourage gambling in children
Complete poll results and links to the full news stories from which the lawsuits were drawn can be found here.
www.alliancebuilds.com
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Heart Beat | January, 2013
Did you receive Chamber Gift Certificates for Christmas?
www.heartofthevalleychamber.com
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Around Town Even with the snow and cold it is never too early to start thinking of the warm weather www.markseastside.com biking season. Stop by the Recyclists for a new ride for everyone in your family. www.recyclist.com
When it comes to your family, you want true heirloom quality portraiture. From maternity to family portraits and every moment in between, Jackie Boyd Photography LLC offers personal attention and professional expertise that will capture your essence for all time. www.jackieboyd.com
Stop by Salon Aura for a customized massage with warm stones for deep relaxation of the muscles, and the aromatic power of Aveda Pure Flower and Plant Essences. www.salonaura.com
Being healthy means more than simply being physically active. It's about maintaining a balanced spirit, mind and body. The YMCA is a place where you can work toward that balance. Start the new year right. www.ymcafoxcities.org
Is Prom coming up in your family? Chic to Chic Prom opens on January 7 at the N474 Eisenhower Drive, Appleton location. Chic Prom carries prom dresses, shoes, handbags and accessories., www.chictochicconsignment.com
Refresh your home with a new paint color. With over 1,500 colors to choose from, Sherwin WilliamsDarboy has the perfect palette for any room. www.sherwin-williams.com
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Heart Beat | January, 2013
Dreher Collision Center offers the very best in professional collision repair. Experience management, courteous staff, state-of-the-art equipment and certified technicians combine together to provide a first-rate experience for all involved. www.drehercollision.com
Create a positive first impression at your business with the help of furniture, lighting and artwork from Emmons Business Interiors. www.ebiweb.com
Watching your diet for the New Year? Remember Haen Meats has a large variety of chicken and turkey along with lean cuts of beef and pork too. ww.haenmeats.com
Ready to remodel your home. Welhouse Construction Services is a fourth generation company providing structural design, remodeling, building and interior design services for residential and commercial projects. www.welhouseconstruction.com
Practice your golf swing all winter long at Mid Vallee Golf Course’s Indoor Golf Simulator. Play a round of golf at one of 22 courses. Their simulator features the True Swing™ analyzer, that will help you dramatically improve your golf swing and overall golf game. www.midvallee.com
Want to do some general home improvements? Whatever your project, Lowe's can show you how. You can find step-by-step instructions on how to install ceiling fans, faucets, windows, and more, or learn how to fix broken things around the house. They also have hundreds of home improvement ideas if you're looking for a little inspiration. www.lowes.com
Want your business featured here? Email bbeckman@heartofthevalleychamber.com www.heartofthevalleychamber.com
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GOOD NEWS Is Worth Repeating Miron Construction recently hired Kip Golden as its new vice president of industrial business development. Miron has also hired Paul Duesterbeck, project manager; Jared Olk, project manager; Grant Daigle, project manager; Shelley Dempsey, on-site quality control; Justin Metko, accounting; Josh Salm, project coordinator; Brian Hopfensperger, heavy equipment coordinator.
Community First Credit Union promoted Megan Pruno to vice president of finance; Craig Gloudemans, accounting manager; Debra Fernau, vice president of operations.
Christina Terrance, Corporate Human Resources/Safety Director; Jody Giordana has been promoted to Payroll Manager; Lisa Finger, Motorcoach dispatcher; Megan Rollo has been promoted to General Manager of Nicolet National Bank plans to acquire Motorcoach; Curtis Harrison has been promoted to Safety Director of the Medford-based Mid-Wisconsin Bank for about $10.2 million. The combined Bloomer WI terminal. bank will operate under the Nicolet National Bank name. It will have assets Robyn Gruner, director of external affairs for AT&T, was named to the New of $1.1 billion and 22 branches. Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP “Our objective is to build a community North Executive Committee and Chair (Baker Tilly) is pleased to announce bank of sufficient size to flourish in all of the Green Bay Chamber Public PoliCharlie Judy has joined the firm as its cy Council. economic environments,” said Robert Chief Human Resources Officer. Judy will provide strategic direction and op- Atwell, chairman of Nicolet Bankshares. The merged operations will be U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble received the erational leadership to the firm’s Human Resource function. He is responsi- the sixth-largest bank holding company National Association of Manufacturers Award for Manufacturing Legislative headquartered in Wisconsin. ble for managing all aspects of human Excellence. resources operations while delivering Network Health has been awarded the talent management practices that sup5th Annual Corporate Citizenship port a meaningful and lasting career Goodwill Industries of North Central Award from Corporate Report Wiscon- Wisconsin recently made these new experience for Baker Tilly’s partners, leadership team promotions. Jackie sin. principals and employees. Draws, senior vice president of operaThe Fox Cities Convention and Visi- tions; George Burns, vice president of facilities; Nancy Heykes, vice president tors Bureau announced recently the Keller, Inc. was recently awarded the of development; Billie Jo Higgins, vice promotion of Pam Seidl to Executive “Top Volume Award” by American Buildings of Eufaula, Alabama. Keller Director. Pam has been with the organ- president of finance; Pilar McDermott, vice president of marketing. ization for 10 years as the marketing was presented the award by American director. Buildings in Peoria, Illinois based on Fox Valley Technical College received purchasing over 200 million pounds of steel. Wayne Stellmacher, President of The Post-Crescent formally launched a Gold Well Workplace Award from the Post-Crescent Media as the new compa- Wellness Council of America and its Keller, said, “The “Top Volume ny brand, in late November. “Our new local affiliate, the Wellness Council of Award” that was presented to Keller Wisconsin. company name reflects our transforwas due to our great customer base. mation to a diverse media organization Keller is currently building in eight with a strong portfolio of solutions for states other than Wisconsin. Business local businesses. At the same time, Post Any change or update within your busiowners find it much easier and very -Crescent Media is making smart moves ness such as a promotion, new addition, competitive to hire our employeeowned company to assist them in other to keep readers and engaged,” notes award won, etc. can be included in this regions. We are very thankful for all of Genia Lovett, president and publisher of section. News must be submitted by the Post-Crescent Media. our clients and always strive to give 15th of the month for the following them the best value and service possimonth’s publication. Send to ble. Our loyal customers have propelled Kobussen Buses, Ltd. 2012 Contractor bbeckman@heartofthevalleychamber.com. of the Year designation from "School us to become a general contractor that Bus Fleet Magazine” is pleased to anprovides construction services nationnounce several recent new hires and wide.” promotions. Richie Davis, Terminal Manager at the New London location; 10
Heart Beat | January, 2013
www.capitalcu.c om
www.kellerbuilds.com
www.heartofthevalleychamber.com
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Member Spotlight Bridal Elegance www.valleybridalelegance.com
Lu Ann Vander Zanden started Bridal Elegance in 1999. She was working with another store in town and realized that a one stop wedding store was needed for the surrounding communities. After working for 9 years in the best job ever selling wedding cakes at “Van Thull’s Bakery in Kimberly,” it was very rewarding to start in the Bridal Industry. The job skills Lu Ann received from the family owned business instilled a greater sense of making things perfect for each and every person that walks in the door. Working at Thrivent Financial for 23 years as a Senior Business Analyst provided Lu Ann with the business knowledge and computer skills needed to run the office. Recently Lu Ann teamed up with Guident Solutions and is currently work with them to do future planning and projections for 2013. What Lu Ann likes about being in the bridal business is the ever changing industry. No day is ever the same, and no bride is like another! They’ve gone through many changes in her years at Bridal Elegance and the expansion of the store has been tremendous. She feels lucky to have met so many people and made so many friendships with families. It makes her very proud to be a part of the community. As a business on the main street they try to keep up their building and make changes to their establishment. They’ve made improvements to the outside, inside and also expanded their inventory to carry items like Miche purses, Vera Bradley purses, shoes, and jewelry! Bridal Elegance and Formalwear has stepped out and now carries Couture Bridal Gowns. They were recently selected as Premier Retailer for the famous Maggie Sottero Gowns. Bridal Elegance has also purchased a new line of Bridal Gowns/Bridesmaids gowns that has been nationally recognized for its designs called the Allure Bridal Gowns. They are expanding the Tuxedo selection to include Jim’s Tuxedo line which has an online tuxedo building application to be used for weddings and Prom! The Tuxedo collections also include a tuxedo by the ALLURE line! They now have 9 part time employees and 2 seamstress’s that work diligently to get their brides/bridesmaids looking their best. Bridal Elegance takes pride in what they do and hopes their customer service meets everyone’s expectations. Lu Ann and her husband Paul attribute the success and growth of Bridal Elegance and Formalwear to the dedicated employees and the association it has with Visuelle Productions Bridal Shows. Lu Ann and daughters Leah and Mara have traveled with Visuelle Productions to do bridal shows in Dublin and Limerick Ireland, Venice, Greece and Italy.
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Heart Beat | January, 2013
Our next spotlight can be about your business. Call 920-766-1616 if interested.
L c r ( a m B ( N W F b
L i o a t t
Proudest moments for Lu Ann has been the rewards of a sense of satisfaction when she see the mother’s smile, working with handicap families, with people who have disabilities and with people who were less fortunate than others by helping them through a tough financial crunch for their weddings. Bridal Elegance can work with any budget and has gowns that start at $25. Lu Ann’s family has helped tremendously in making the business grow. Paul has worked very hard on keeping the building maintenance and appearance top notch. Her daughters are her spirit and keep Lu Ann laughing! When participating in Bridal shows in the area she has help from her family to set up and tear down her booth. She also has her family that helps prepare for future shows and selections of gowns for the store.
Lu Ann has been honored for her contributions to the industry as woman retailer of the year by the NAPEW (National Association of Professional and Executive Women). She is a member of the National Bridal Service, Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce and AFWPI (Association for Wedding Professionals International), Northeast Wedding Professionals and the Kaukauna Wedding and Event Professions. Bridal Elegance and Formalwear was selected as Best of Kaukauna Award by the U. S. Local Business Association (USALBA).
Lu Ann and her family love to go boating and fishing in the summer and ice fishing in the winter. The outdoors are a very important part of their family life and they love to enjoy it when possible. As a family they belong to the YMCA and spend the majority of their free time working out together!
Bridal Elegance & Formalwear and Valley Tuxedos 172 W Wisconsin Ave., Kaukauna, WI 54130
www.valleybridalelegance.com www.heartofthevalleychamber.com
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Meet The Board Brian Rosin MRO / Stores Procurement Manager Thilmany Papers www.thilmany.com Year established - 1883
Give us a brief description/history of your business…. A: Thilmany’s Kaukauna Mill was founded in 1883 as Thilmany Pulp and Paper Company. It operated independently until acquired by Hammermill in 1969.
increase support and awareness for the manufacturing needs in the area.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your term with the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce? A: One of my goals is to work with the Chamber to
Q: What are the Top 3 items on your bucket list? A: I don’t have a bucket list. Life is too short and I try to live every day to the fullest.
Q: What is the worst job you’ve ever had. A: I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy all the jobs I’ve had from breading fish in a supper club to selling shoes at a local shoe store to Q: How did you get started in your field? A: While studying Biochemistry at UW-Madison, I started my current position as the MRO/Stores Procurement Manager at Thilmany. I’ve learned different things at each working at the USDA Forest Products where the focus of job and those experiences have shaped my research was enzymatic action on Today, Kohlberg & Company – pulps. From there I went to graduate who I am today. a private equity firm based school at the Institute of Paper Science and out of Mt. Kisco, NY. serves Q: OK, now the good stuff. What do Technology in Atlanta, GA. During as Thilmany’s exclusive college I worked as a summer student at you like to do for fun? stakeholder, and Thilmany Thilmany. When I finished graduate A: I enjoying golfing with my family Papers has become a business and going to family cottages in northern school, I was hired on as an engineer and have progressed through multiple positions unit of Packaging Dynamics Wisconsin. over the last 12 years. Corporation Q: What’s your favorite movie and Q: Who is the one person that helped to make you who you why? A: Tommy Boy. I love the movie and quote many are today? of the lines daily! A: My wife has tirelessly supported me through the past 17 years. Without her help and objective point of view, I Q: Is your desk messy or organized? A: Organized. would not be where I am today. Q: Green Bay Packers or another team? Q: What do you like most about working in the Heart of the A: Green Bay Packers Valley area? A: I enjoy many things about working in this area including Q: Where was your best vacation and why? the excellent school system and many activities/events that A: My best vacation was to Punta Cana in the Dominican we can enjoy together as a family. I grew up here and Republic with my grandparents, parents, brother, sisters wanted my kids to enjoy many of the same things I did and our spouses. It was great to get everyone together when I was a kid. (without kids) and enjoy a week on the beach.
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Heart Beat | January, 2013
Michael Vedder Commercial Lender Community First Credit Union www.communityfirstcu.org Year Established - 1975
Give us a brief description/history of your business…. is phenomenal, it seems like everyone is willing to step up Community First Credit Union is organized as a not for and help the less fortunate when asked. profit cooperative with profits flowing back to our members and the communities that we serve. Specifically, I Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your term with work in the Business Services Dept. as the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Coma Commercial Lender. Community First Community First Credit Union merce? works with companies of all sizes, and A: The Chamber is a very long term has 19 branch locations in offers a wide variety of expertise, prodsuccessful organization; I hope to contribNortheast Wisconsin. The ucts and services. ute towards ensuring that the organization Credit Union also operates seven non-traditional branches remains that way in the future. Q: How did you get started in your that are located in high schools, field? A: I graduated from UW Q: What is the worst job you’ve ever had? retirement communities, a Milwaukee in the early 2000’s, at the A: WE Energies in Milwaukee, working in middle school and a grade time I graduated I faced a decision to school. Community activism a power plant shoveling coal; all day…all continue on with school and study for and volunteerism are important summer. my masters degree in public administraaspects of our corporate Q: OK, now the good stuff. What do you tion/Urban Planning or to enter the culture. like to do for fun? A: Camping, Hiking, work force. During those years, there basketball and spending time with my wife were many opportunities within the banking field and I and three boys. started as a Credit Analyst with a Community Bank based out of Sheboygan. My career has gradually progressed, and Q: What’s your favorite movie and why? I am now a commercial lender with Community First. A: Impossible to pick just one; Hoosiers, JFK, Shawshank Redemption, Godfather, Stand By Me. Q: Who is the one person that helped to make you who you are today? Q: Is your desk messy or organized? A: A little of both. A: It’s difficult to pick one specific person, there have been Q: Green Bay Packers or another team? A: Packers multiple people and experiences that have contributed towards who I am and my beliefs. I have always believed that Q: Where was your best vacation and why? A: Alaska our families are the most important people in our lives and really do help to shape who we are. Q: What are the Top 3 items on your bucket list? A: Travel to New Zealand, take batting practice with a Q: What do you like most about working in the Heart of the MLB team on their field before a game, hike through the Valley area? A: The people! The sense of community here Appalachian Trail (at once). www.heartofthevalleychamber.com
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A Secret Cash Stash for Small Business Growth What does your growth-minded small business have in common with Apple? Not much, perhaps, but here’s one thing: The multi-gazillion dollar tech company got early funding from a unique type of investment firm called a Small Business Investment Company – and so could you. SBICs are high-powered but low-profile backers of small businesses, pumping over $4 billion into small, growing firms, as well as some early-stage startups in the past year alone. They’ve been around for 54 years (surprise!) but most capital-seeking small businesses and startup entrepreneurs have never heard of them. So what gives?
$2 million in after-tax income. Investments must be debt, equity or a combination of the two. Some SBICs specialize in certain industries, while others invest more generally. Keep in mind, however, that this isn’t typically seed capital for launching a business from scratch. Most SBICs look for small but growing firms that are at least mature enough to make current interest payments on any debt.
A few SBICs are also linked into the White House Startup America Partnership program that’s been marshaling public and private resources to support startups for the past SBICs deliberately fly below the radar to avoid being several years. (The author’s firm, BizBest inundated with funding requests. But SBICs are still on the (www.BizBest.com), is a Startup America member and lookout for high potential small businesses to invest in, and featured startup resource.) the amount of money available to small companies via this There’s a state-by-state directory of licensed SBICs on channel has skyrocketed 85 percent in the SBA website. Or visit the main the last two years, setting all-time SBIC page and look for the “Small records. Not only is this an increasingBusiness Owners & Entrepreneurs” SBICs are a unique kind of ly important funding source, it’s also funding source. They are privately section for more information and an innovative, time-tested structure that resources. That’s where you’ll find -owned and managed investment marries some of the best features of step-by-step guidance on seeking firms that are like a combination private equity money with government of a bank, venture capital firm and SBIC financing for your small guarantees. business.
angel investor. Unlike VCs, however, SBICs see themselves as longer-term investors, and often portray themselves as the “patient money” alternative to venture firms seeking a quick exit.
SBICs are a unique kind of funding source. They are privately-owned and managed investment firms that are like a combination of a bank, venture capital firm and angel investor. Unlike VCs, however, SBICs see themselves as longer-term investors, and often portray themselves as the “patient money” alternative to venture firms seeking a quick exit.
In part, that’s because of how they’re structured. For one thing, SBICs are licensed and regulated by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). And the money they invest in small businesses – through equity investments, loans or both – comes from purely private sources plus capital raised with the help of SBA guarantees. Today there are 301 operating SBICs, with a total of $18 billion in capital under management. That’s not chicken feed.
Research and identify SBICs that might be a good fit for your business. Check the directory listed above, as well as the Small Business Investor Alliance (www.sbia.org) and National Association of Investment Companies (www.naicvc.com) websites. The SBIC Directory offers a wealth of information on each SBIC, including its preferred investment size, type (i.e. loans, equity, debt with equity, etc.) and stage (early, expansion, later, etc.). The directory also provides details on industry and geographic preferences of individual SBICs.
Once you’ve identified target firms, take steps to present them your business plan. But don’t go in cold. Since they receive hundreds of plans yearly, you will benefit greatly from a personal reference or introduction to the particular SBIC fund manager being targeted. Check the firm’s The SBA backing has helped entice record levels of private website for names, or search LinkedIn to see if you have capital to SBICs, and into small businesses – about $1 any mutual connections you might leverage. Or talk to billion in the past 12 months. SBICs invest in a wide range accountants, attorneys, executives in your industry and of small business types, including established firms with other colleagues to try and arrange an introduction. Time less than $1 million in revenues, as well as early-stage spent will be well worth it. companies just underway. Because the SBA licenses them, SBICs must invest exclusively in small firms, with at least Article appears courtesy of SCORE , www.score.org, Men25 percent of investments directed to businesses with under tors to America’s Small Business. 16
Heart Beat | January, 2013
www.McCartyLaw.com
www.heartofthevalleychamber.com
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Www.WeMakeSoftwareWork.c om
www.bakertilly.com
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Heart Beat | January, 2013
Individual Mandate:
Carry Health Insurance or Pay a Penalty As part of the health care reform laws passed in March 2010, effective January 1, 2014, individuals will be required to either carry health insurance for themselves and their income tax dependents, or be subject to a penalty. This provision was very controversial and subject to a Supreme Court challenge. In June 2012, the Supreme Court ruled this was an additional tax (not a penalty as used in the wording of the law) and found the provision to be constitutional. Interestingly, the IRS cannot use liens or levies to collect this penalty. They can only offset this penalty with refunds that are owed to a taxpayer. The penalty is assessed for each month that insurance coverage is not carried. There is a 3 month grace period allowed. No penalty is due if an individual’s coverage lapses for a period of less than 3 continuous months. This allows for 90 day waiting periods that can be common with employer-provided health insurance. Individuals who are exempt from this penalty include:
Those incarcerated Those who have religious objections Those who are in the United States illegally Those who do not have to file a tax return because their income is below the tax return filing threshold (based on the most recent tax year for which information is available) Those whose premium payment would be more than 8% of their household income. This is measured using the lowest cost insurance available to the individual on the insurance exchange of their state of residency or the employee portion of their employer’s group health plan for single coverage. (Household income is defined as adjusted gross income plus any tax exempt interest income for the taxpayer and their income tax dependents who are required to file a tax return.) In other words, when the insurance coverage available is too expensive. Because of the above exemptions, many people will not owe the penalty.
The penalty is based on the greater of a flat per person amount or a percentage of household income which exceeds the tax return filing threshold. The penalty starts at fairly low amounts for 2014 and gradually increases. The annual penalty amounts are as follows:
2014: $95 per person or 1% of household income over the tax return filing threshold
2015: $325 per person or 2% of household income over the tax return filing threshold
2016+: $695 per person or 2.5% of household income over the tax return filing threshold The flat per person amount is capped at 3 people. A dependent under age 18 is counted as half of the per person amount. The tax return filing threshold in 2012 is $19,500 for a married filing joint taxpayer and $9,750 for a single taxpayer. There is an overall cap on the penalty equal to the amount of the premium that would be paid by the taxpayer for insurance through their state exchange for the lowest level of insurance coverage for themselves and their dependents. The penalty is not used to purchase health insurance coverage for the taxpayer. Because the penalty has an overall cap equal to the cost of the health insurance that can be obtained through a state health insurance exchange, people may decide to purchase insurance instead of paying the penalty and receiving nothing for it. At this point, the IRS has not issued the tax form or schedule that will need to be completed to compute and report the penalty on a personal income tax return. Informally, the IRS has said that insurance companies will be required to provide information to the IRS regarding taxpayers and their insurance coverage (possibly using a new Form 1099). Terri Lillesand, CPA, tax shareholder, is a member of Scheck's Health Care Reform Act Advisory team. She provides tax compliance and planning for corporate, individual, partnership, non-profit and fiduciary taxpayers. www.heartofthevalleychamber.com
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IDG Study Finds 95% of Consumers New study from IDG Research Services has found that 95 percent of consumers use at least one type of social media.
Use Social Media
A surprising result of IDG's study was the fast-moving growth of mobile usage. The study found that: 92% of tablet users seek out things like product reviews on their device Another 72% use their smartphone for the same activity. Tablet users also cemented that they engage in purchase-related activity on their device by a 75% margin. Smartphone users end up making purchases on their phone in a 70% capacity
"The Echo Effect: Understanding the Value of Tech Buyers" study surveyed 3,100 visitors of technology news sites like PCWorld and MacWorld. Among the study's findings IDG found that: 44% of consumers said that exposure to technology products in social media positively affects their likelihood of purchase. 40% of respondents said they have a sense of technology brand loyalty to the The reliance on mobile The high usage rates of mobile brands they've positively dealt with devices for purchase devices could end up paying through social media. decisions tied to an ad is an dividends for marketers. According 42% of those surveyed would be to the study: important new factor. willing to recommend a brand to 43% of consumers have others if they've been affected Mobile usage has been researched a product because they positively by the firm's social media soaring for a while but saw a mobile ad about it. presence. advertising has not. This Another 21% of those surveyed 53% of responders thought the best research is a wakeup call said they purchased a product because way to reach consumers was to for marketers. of a mobile ad. answer their questions on platforms like Facebook. 44% of consumers have purchased a tech device after "The reliance on mobile devices for purchase decisions tied to an ad is an important new factor. Mobile usage has been watching an online video about it. soaring for a while but advertising has not. This research is a wakeup call for marketers." According to the study, consumers find the best way to promote products through social media is for marketers to "Mobile and social are converging to become one of the answer their following's questions about products. Other key social media tips from consumers were sharing product most powerful ways for marketers to influence prospects when they're shopping," said president of IDG Global details, showing product reviews, resolving customer Solutions Matthew Yorke. service issues, and asking for customer product feedback.
www.unisoncu.org
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Heart Beat | January, 2013
www.heartofthevalleychamber.com
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Welcome New Members BubbleFresh is a fully staffed laundry center where you are always welcomed by one of their smiling team members. BubbleFresh offers self-service coin laundry, full service “Wash n Fold”, Donaldson’s Dry Cleaning drop off and pickup, and commercial washing services. They offer flat screen HDTV, FREE Wi-Fi, Snacks, Soda and Coffee all in a very clean and comfortable lounge area. BubbleFresh also has jumbo 75lb machines (great for comforters, boat covers and anything you can fit). Their commercial services are very broad, flexible and personalized compared to other factory based laundry services. BubbleFresh has the most efficient machines in the market and will pass that value onto you. Please call anytime to discuss all the options available. For hours and location go to www.bubblefreshlaundry.com
The Tri-county Arena is run by the 501c3 not for profit Tri-County Recreation Association. The arena is a place where children and adults can come and participate in ice activities from October to March. The arena is home to three high school hockey teams, Valley Figure Skating Club, Over 30 Men’s Hockey League, and Fox Valley Broomball and are used as a practice facility by other area hockey leagues. They offer open skating for the general public, birthday parties and learn to skate lessons for people of all ages. The remainder of the year it is a community facility that can be utilized for activities such as trade shows and the circus. The Association has been diligent in running and maintaining the facility for the past 34 years without any tax subsidies from the counties. Our biggest fund raising event of the year is the annual Home and Garden Show. Proceeds from the show go directly back into the operation and upkeep of the facility. They are located at 700 E. Shady Lane in Neenah. Visit www.tricountyarena.com.
Elite Nutrition is a local family owned Health and Supplement store. Elite Nutrition's passion and purpose is optimizing customers' well being through educational resources and/or the supplements themselves. Elite Nutrition also offers an in-store protein based smoothie bar serving an array of delicious, filling, drinks. Elite Nutrition's latest addition to its shelves is local sourced Ledge Rock Spring Water offered in individual bottles and 5 gallon bottles. From the knowledgeable and friendly staff to the variety of quality brands offered, Elite Nutrition is honored to serve the Fox Valley's health pursuits. Elite Nutrition is located at 3525 E. Calumet Street in Appleton. For more information call 920-831-9520 or visit www.elitenutritionvitamins.com
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Heart Beat | January, 2013
Ribbon Cuttings
G & G Machine Inc.
www.heartofthevalleychamber.com
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Nominate a Deserving The Annual Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Awards are back and we are looking for your nominations for five different awards. The awards will be presented to deserving area businesses and individuals at our Annual Dinner on February 20, 2013. We want to know who you believe is deserving of these prestigious awards. The awards we are looking for your input into are: •Small Business Achievement: A member business with 50 or less employees that is inspirational and visionary and operates at a level that inspires others. •Large Business Achievement: A member business with 50+ employees that has demonstrated success, exceptional service and community leadership. •Emerging Enterprise: A member business less than 5 years but more than 2 years old that epitomizes the innovation and entrepreneurial success of our area’s business community. •Business Person of the Year: Given to an area business owner/manager who has displayed solid leadership in setting the positive direction of his/her company. Management skills should include innovation, cost control, quality of business performance, problem solving and response to adversity. •Cornerstone Award: This business/person will exemplify what being a “solid community pillar” is all about. They have played an active role in the local business community, business associations and volunteer groups. Recipients will have demonstrated growth in sales, employees and/or service since their inception.
www.tricountyarena.com 24
Heart Beat | January, 2013
Business Today
For all of the above awards, the nominees must excel at their core function and contribute significantly to the economic and social well-being of the community. Other potential reasons to nominate a Business include, but are not limited to: staff participating in local, regional, or national organizations in a volunteer capacity, significant local community involvement support, exemplary customer service, growth, staff and facility development, awards, innovation, and positive media attention. It is important to remember that these Awards are not a popularity contest, meaning the person with the most nominations does not constitute a winner. The most important part of the nomination form is "why are you nominating this business/individual?" Your input in this section will go a long way in helping our judging committee determine the finalists and winners of each award from the nominations received. It is about quality over quantity. If you have had a great experience with a business in town and want to nominate that business or the individual who helped you, please do so without delay. If you feel you have an employer who is second to none, nominate them and let us know why you feel this way. Nomination forms can be found on www.heartofthevalleychamber.com or at the Chamber office. Make your vote count. We want to hear from you.
www.heartofthevalleychamber.com
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101 E. Wisconsin Avenue | Kaukauna, WI 54130 | 920.766.1616 www.heartofthevalleychamber.com
www.networkhealth.com