Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce Publication
March 2015
43rd ANNUAL AWARDS EVENT Presented by: Baker Tilly
WHAT OUR MEMBERS ARE SAYING
UPCOMING EVENTS
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
HAEN MEAT PACKING INC.
Member Spotlight: Haen Meat Company
Annual Awards Event: Waverly Beach
Meet the Members: Gina Nytes & Dan Flannery 03
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events!
BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE EMERGING LEADERS: VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Tuesday, March 03, 2015 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM Little Chicago Dining & Spirits N9650 Friendship Road Kaukauna, WI 54130
Tuesday, March 10, 2015 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce 101 E. Wisconsin Avenue Kaukauna, WI 54130
We will hear from a panel of local non-profits on ways we can volunteer and share our gifts with those in need.
Business Card Exchange is a structured process for facilitating introductions and conversation between people who don't know each other. Each participant is allotted a period of time to introduce themselves with a prepared short elevator speech which summarizes key elements of their company, their products and their services.
GERHARDS THE KITCHEN & BATH STORE
FINDING NEW SOURCES OF BUSINESS
Thursday, March 12, 2015 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday, March 18, 2015 11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Gerhards The Kitchen & Bath Store 2100 W. College Ave. Appleton, WI 54914
Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce 101 E. Wisconsin Avenue Kaukauna, WI 54130
Valley Home Builders Association's members will join us at this networking event. Attend for some refreshments and networking.
Learn how to set business growth targets and measure progress toward them, find new sources of business and emphasize ways to generate growth without huge costs. Presented by: Paychex, Small Business Solutions
To register, visit www.heartofthevalleychamber.com 4 Heart Beat | March 2015
Ribbon Cuttings
RIBBON CUTTING: CHIC TO CHIC Thursday, March 12, 2015 4:30 PM Chic to Chic 301 N. Mall Drive Appleton, WI 54913 Join us at 4:30 before you stop in at the Business After Hours at Gerhards at 2100 W. College Ave.
RIBBON CUTTING: SENIOR HELPERS NEW LOCATION Thursday, March 26, 2015 10:00 AM Senior Helpers 2501 S. Oneida St. Suite B. Appleton, WI 54915 Attend this ribbon cutting with us as we help Senior Helpers celebrate their new location on Oneida St.
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*** The Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Event was held on February 19, 2015. While everyone had a great time networking, enjoying the vast array of hors d'oeuvres, cheeses and desserts and being entertained by 176 Keys Dueling Pianos, the event is still about the awards. Our winners have found great opportunity for innovation, reinvention and growth. They are people and businesses that go above and beyond what is normally expected to benefit those around them. In 2015, the Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce celebrates 88 years of service to the business community. We are proud of this milestone and, as with each new year, we approach our mission with the same enthusiasm, dedication to growth and commitment to excellence we had when we started many years ago. The Chamber is a thriving organization, continuing to serve its membership and the community responsibly. Our award winners shape our future and we all benefit from their service and strong presence in our communities.
Presented By
Entertainment Sponsor
Platinum Sponsor
Other Sponsors FNB Fox Valley, Network Health, TailWaggers Doggy Daycare, Epiphany Law, Rasmussen College, BMO Harris, Capital Credit Union, Kobussen Buses, Fox CU, BLC Bank, Stadtmueller and Associates, FirstMerit, Schenck, Team Industries, Midwest Restoration, The Marq, Prospera, Building Services Group, Inc., McCarty Law 6 Heart Beat | March 2015
The 2015 Business Person of the Year is Mark Abel. Mark is a dedicated member of his community and his leadership and vision have made Kaukauna a great place to live and work. His family company, Abel Insurance & Associates began in 1967 and he has been with them since 1980. Mark’s strength of character and respect and appreciation for all who work for him has helped to maintain high quality employees, leading to improved customer service and satisfaction.
Eagle Graphics won our Small Business Achievement Award in the Retail Category. Beginning in 2001, they have grown from a small building in Kaukauna to 4 locations; a 13,000 square ft. production facility and 3 retail outlets. Their staff has grown to over 40 people and they continue to expand. Their staff is very involved in the community, giving of their time and talents to local schools and non-profits.
Val Revnew of Epiphany Law is our Inspiring Business Person of the Year. Val shares her extensive knowledge on a wide range of topics with our members and business people. She is always willing to lead a discussion on legal and business issues and helps businesses address and prevent problems before they occur. Val is actively involved in numerous organizations like Mid Day Women, Women In Management, Appleton Northside Business Association and many more.
Our Small Business Achievement Award in the Professional Category went to Stadtmueller and Associates. They are creating neighborhoods in places that have stood vacant. The work they are doing will have an economic impact of millions of dollars, adding jobs, increasing property values and enhancing once blighted areas. For each project they lead the community through feasibility studies, environmental reviews, public private partnership processes and overall project management.
Our 2015 Emerging Enterprise Award went to TailWaggers Doggy Daycare of Little Chute. TailWaggers began in 2012 and now has 15 employees. They provide their employees a great working environment, offering flexible schedules, paid birthdays off and culture of treating their customers like family. The owners work extremely hard to be successful and they know the only reason they have been because of their customers, their team and their community.
The winner of the 2015 Large Business Achievement Award was Building Services Group. They began in 1983 with their 1st account being janitorial services for St. John’s Grade School in Little Chute. Today they have over 400 employees and service 20 school districts with over 100 schools in Northeast Wisconsin. They have shown a 10% increase in revenue the last 2 years and have built an expansion on their building. Their reputation is clearly reflected in the generosity of their leadership team.
The Emerging Leader award recognizes the achievements of a young professional who plays an active role in the local business community, business associations and community groups. The individual must demonstrate a commitment to excellence and community service in their profession and a high level of leadership and innovation through professional and personal growth. When asked to describe our award winner….people said “gentleman” because he the epitome of one. The Emerging Leader Award went to Adam Lange.
The winner of the 2015 Cornerstone Award was McCarty Law. This business began in Kaukauna in 1949 and for over 50 years was a fixture in the city In 2006 McCarty Law moved to Appleton but continued to be active in the Heart of the Valley with their business reach throughout the United States and abroad. Their past and present staff has participated in the Chamber as Board presidents, mentors, volunteers and teachers.
This year’s Small Business Achievement Award in the Service Category was given to Midwest Restoration owner, Coyne Boree. This company began in 2008 and has grown to over 25 employees. In 2014 they moved to a new location in Little Chute and opened an office in Madison. From destruction caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, winds and fires, to water damage and mold remediation they have worked on it all. They believe in satisfied customers, supporting their communities and having a team of professional, knowledgeable and dedicated staff.
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Good News Is Worth Repeating K.R. West Company has been named Monnier Inc.’s largest distributor. Monnier is a Michigan based manufacture of air filtration products. K.R. West has also celebrated employee anniversaries; Jennie Stoop has been with the company 32 years, Dean Klanderman has been with K.R. West for 30 years and Curtis Boos has worked with them for 20 years.
Vice President and Tanya Paulow joins Calumet County Bank as Head Teller /Personal Banker.
Jessica Krueger, assistant relationship banker at the Brillion location, celebrates her one year anniversary at Calumet County Bank.
Marco, Inc. recently announced the following promotions: Mike Welling was promoted to director of managed IT services. Clint Dorgan was promoted to production systems sales manager.
Baisch Engineering of Kaukauna announced six additions to its staff: John L. Rosera, process control specialist, instrumentation and process control department; Stephanie J. Pichotta and Tony Mancheski, structural engineers, civil / structural / architectural department; Daniel J. Hampton and James G. Jilek, process engineers, AnchorBank today announced two new Commercial Bankers in Appleton. Dan Thome has been named First Vice process department; and Audry J. Malley, receptionist. President - Commercial Banking and John Anderson has Dental Associates is one of six organizations nationally been named Vice President - Commercial Banking. to be recognized with a 2014 Press Ganey Leaders in Transparency Award. First National Bank Fox Valley (FNB Fox Valley) is once again taking part in the Men Who Cook premier fundraiser for Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, Inc. on January 31, The Times-Villager hired Andrew Hanlon as a sports reporter. 2015, from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. in Oshkosh, WI.
Calumet County Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Allen C. Schlorf as their new Sr. Loan Officer /
Any change or update within your business such as a promotion, new addition, award won, etc. can be included in this section. News must be submitted by the 15th of the month for the following month’s publication. Send to: bbeckman@heartofthevalleychamber.com
A new app lets you fake a that you’re in a relationship - even relationship by giving you a virtual if you’re not - so you can get back partner who texts, leaves to living life on your own terms." voicemail messages, and even sends you romantic notes. The idea started out as a joke, and co-founder Matthew Homann The Invisible Boyfriend and bought the domain names nine Invisible Girlfriend apps allow you years ago. Then, in 2009, he and to choose your virtual partner's Kyle Tabor entered a local name, age and picture, and the start-up contest and won. software will help you to come up with a story about how you met. They've spent the intervening time working on a system to make It is being launched in the US and the computer-generated people are being invited to apply exchanges feel human, which to join its private beta stage. But they call their "secret sauce". the service does not come cheap - a virtual boyfriend will set you back a flat monthly fee of $24.99. It is unclear exactly how the app works and how much The price includes 100 texts, 10 human control there voicemails and one handwritten is over the messages note. sent to the customer. The app's website says: "(It) gives you real-world and social proof 10 Heart Beat | March 2015
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Four brothers continue to fulfill their father’s dream of a successful, full service, family-owned business at Haen Meat Packing in Kaukauna. Jack Haen’s dream began in 1959 when he and his brother Leo opened Haen Meat Packing in the Fox Valley east of Appleton in Kaukauna. The dream continued when Jack and his wife, Patricia purchased the business in 1975. Prior to 1975 Jack ran the meat shop, and the Haen children, now grown, worked there through their youth. After purchasing the business, each of the sons made their way back to Haen Meat Packing upon graduating from high school. Not because they were forced into the family business, but because they had a passion for the industry and a deeper desire for their family business to succeed.
The business continues to thrive today driven by the Haen brothers’ passion to complete their father’s dream even after his unexpected death in 1996. The brothers, Dan, John, Tim and Tom continued the business and proceeded with expansion plans their father had sketched out in the dirt for a contractor shortly before he passed away. Haen Meat Packing currently offers hundreds of products including fresh beef and pork products, pizza, award winning smoked and fresh sausage and hams, bratwurst and wieners. A listing of all the products can be found at http://www.haenmeats.com/. As the brothers joined the business, an addition in both the building and products were seen. When Tim joined the business, the production of sausage and building space for the production were added in 1986. The building and business continued to grow with expansions of the kill floor and retail store front in 1997. In 2006, the last expansion was added, creating more room for production. “When dad bought this it was a little over 1,300 square feet,” says Tim Haen. “Right now we’re at 17,000 square feet on the main building.” The site also includes warehouse space of 17,000 square feet.
The number of employees has grown with the building from three, when the shop specialized in custom meat cutting, to 43, full and part-time employees in the full-service operation it is today.
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Each of the Haen brothers put in countless hours in their respective areas. Tim’s brother Dan, the oldest, serves as president and is responsible for the custom activities, while John tackles HACCP responsibilities and manages the retail program. Tom oversees wholesale operations and the pizza department, which cranks out about 200 12-inch frozen pizzas, in six different styles, each week. Tim’s son Ben, 22, is involved in meat cutting and in the retail store, and the brothers have other children working part-time in clean-up activities. Tim admits he’s been asked what the “secret” is for working together so well for so many years, but doesn’t have an answer except for his mom and dad wanted it that way.
“It’s like playing for Vince Lombardi,” Tim says in true Wisconsin fashion. “We knew his (Jack’s) vision, but he didn’t get to see it done. So we’re going to make sure it carries out.” Even if the brother’s have disagreements or the long hours seem like too much, they think about their dad and mom and what the business means to the family. “Ultimately when you get to the point where you want to walk out and quit, you just think of how mom and dad worked to get it started,” Tim explains. “That makes you come back the next day.” In the future, the brothers will continue to explore new avenues of marketing their products and growing their current accounts. Another idea is creating satellite store locations to grow the market area. Even though this is a family run business, it is still up in the air if any of the Haen brothers’ children will be the third generation of Haen Meat Packing, but they aren’t giving up yet. Dan and his wife, Cindy, have two children, Amy and Nick; John and his wife, Kate, have two sons, Joe and Jason; Tim and his wife, Martha, have three children, Becky, Ben and Ally; and Tom and his wife, Kim, have a daughter Jordan and son Brandon.
All in all, what’s important to these meat processing brothers is staying successful and continuing their parents’ dream.
“It’s not all about us,” Tim says. “It’s about them. Those two were a hell of a team.” 13
Menn Law is the largest legal firm in the Fox Cities with more lawyers serving clients in a wide range of practice areas. Since 1926, the attorneys of Menn Law have delivered trusted legal counsel that has earned the respect of their clients and their colleagues. http://www.mennlaw.com/#
At Xtreme Clean of the Fox Cities their business is making your business shine. They provide your guests or employees with a welcoming and immaculate environment. Leave the dirty work to their team of qualified experts. You can count on their crews to quickly and thoroughly clean your entire grounds. Just let them know what services you need and they'll construct a custom cleaning program just for you that accommodates your schedule and budget. http://xtremecleaningappleton.com/ For 70 years Lamers Bus Lines, Inc. has set standards by providing premiere transportation solutions. Everyone at Lamers Bus Lines takes personal pride in safety, customer service, vehicle quality and cleanliness, which has maintained their reputation in each of their 28 locations in Wisconsin and Florida. http://www.golamers.com/
Emmons Business Interiors is a full-service office furniture dealer, representing more than 100 manufacturers to best fit the needs, style and budget for every customer. But that's not all. They also offer design, space planning, project management, installation, move management and more. No project is too big or too small for EBI. http://www.ebiweb.com/ 14 Heart Beat | March 2015
The Community Benefit Tree, Inc. is 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization governed by Christian values. They are here to celebrate people’s lives and support during their medical crisis. They help family, friends, co-workers plan a Celebration of Support event for their loved one who is going through a medical crisis. This one day event helps the family with funds for living and medical expenses and it provides strength, hope and joy to experience all the support from the attendees of the event. Community Benefit Tree also provides education, support, resources and financial assistance for families struggling with a medical crisis. http://www.communitybenefittree.org/
The Roundabout Bar and Grill is a bar that opened in February 2013. It is located at the roundabout at Cty KK and 55 outside Kaukauna. It features fresh hand pattied burgers and made to order homemade pizzas as well as many unique menu items. https://www.facebook.com/TheRoundaboutBarAndGrill
The Wipfli Way is what their clients and associates see every day. It's saying please and thank you, being responsive and timely, exhibiting a professional image and initiating proactive communication. Their clients and associates alike notice and appreciate the different culture that is evident in both the hallways and their client work. http://www.wipfli.com/
Since 1967, Keyes & Sons has met plumbing and heating needs of the Fox Valley. As a 2nd generation, family-owned company, they care about serving the community and satisfying their customers. Their projects range from being the general contractor for bathroom remodels at a large corporation, to installing boilers and all the way down to fixing a homeowner’s leaky faucet. http://keyes-plumbing.com/
Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificates make the perfect gift for every one. From golf to gas, groceries to lumber, gift certificates can be redeemed at over 100 area business.
Want your business featured here? Email bbeckman@heartofthevalleychamber.com 15
Cellcom The Cloud
Spotify lets you listen to your favorite music.
Consider the number of internet-connected devices you access on a daily basis? Smartphones, laptops, tablets, desktops, e-readers and more - Americans own an average of four digital devices. Accessing photos, documents, and music across these devices is easier than ever thanks to the cloud. The cloud is an elusive topic for some people, but chances are you’re already using it.
Besides convenience, the cloud should be utilized to back up things like photos and contacts on your smartphone. By regularly syncing your device, you won’t need to worry about losing important contacts or priceless photos if your device is lost, stolen or damaged. Apple and Android offer ways to sync your contacts, photos, apps and more. You can also explore some the apps already mentioned for additional options.
The cloud refers to information being stored on servers accessed via the Internet, rather than solely on a particular device. Consider your email – you may have the option to login to a website, use an app on your phone or have it synced with a desktop application. You can easily access it across many devices because the information is stored on a server, not on your device. The same concept can be easily applied to documents and photos via services like Dropbox, Google Drive, Box and Microsoft OneDrive. By uploading your files to a cloud service you can access them anywhere and collaborate easier than ever. These apps offer varying amounts of free storage at sign -up and have plans to add more storage as needed. There are also apps designed to sync specific tools across devices. For example, Evernote lets you sync to-do lists and notes and 16 Heart Beat | March 2015
Local Safety Training February-March 2015
Coaching the Lift Truck Operator, Train-the-Trainer │ February 11 (Appleton) Training offers attendees tools to meet OSHA’s requirements for instruction, training and evaluation. OSHA requires training anyone who operates a powered industrial truck/lift truck, whether they operate it daily or once a year. Cost: WSC/WMC Member Discount: $425; Non-Member $525 ($175 members/$200 non-members for add’l attendee from same company – includes leader guide only)
MSHA/OSHA 8-hour Refresher Course │ February 16 (De Pere) Fulfill your 8hr MSHA refresher requirement, satisfy your OSHA refresher requirement, site inspections: what to look for, fatality reviews, methods for accident prevention, tips on handling inspections, refine your hazard recognition skills, CPR/First Aid refresher, DOT and fleet safety updates, mobile equipment safety/pre-operation inspections. Cost: $80 members and non-members ($70/person if three or more employees from same company)
Confined Space, Train-the-Trainer (AM) │ March 5 (Neenah) Program teaches skills and offers an in-depth regulation review and how to develop your own training. Provides training foundation for authorized entrants, attendants, entry supervisors, and rescue services and emergency personnel. Cost: WSC/WMC Member Discount: $395; Non-Member $450 Cost: WSC/WMC Member Discount: $690; Non-Member $800 (if attending both AM & PM Courses)
Lockout/Tagout, Train-the-Trainer (PM) │ March 5 (Neenah) LOTO is one of OSHA’s Top 10 “Most Serious and Often Cited Violations”. Instructor will guide you through interactive discussions and pair activities relating to the key elements of the regulation. Cost: WSC/WMC Member Discount: $395; Non-Member $450 Cost: WSC/WMC Member Discount: $690; Non-Member $800 (if attending both AM & PM Courses)
OSHA 30-Hour Compliance Course for General Industry │ March 23-26 (Green Bay) Course presents detailed info about how the provisions of the OSHAct may/must be implemented in the workplace. We introduce attendees to the OSHA standards, explain how to read the CFRs, and provide an overview of required compliance programs and procedures. Topics include: Recordkeeping, Safety Program Mgmt., I.H., HazCom, HazMat, Walking/Working Surfaces, Material Handling & Storage, Machine Guarding, Welding, PPE, Hearing Conservation, Electrical, LO/TO, Means of Egress/Fire Protection, Safety Signs/First Aid, Confined Spaces, and OSHA Inspections/Citations/Penalties. Cost: WSC/WMC Member Discount: $675; Non-Member $795
REGISTRATION: Call (800) 236-3400 to register for upcoming safety courses. Be sure to mention you are a member of the Heart of the Valley Chamber to receive a member discount. Please register at least three business days prior to the course date. To view our full calendar of scheduled courses, visit www.wmc.org/programs/wisconsin-safety-council/training/seminars 17
3 Tips for Creating an Innovative Organization 1. Treat the business as one big beta test. Entrepreneurs who thrive over the long run know that the only constant in business is change. Rather than adjust to the shifting environment, RadioShack remained fixed in its ways and began the downward spiral that led to its recent bankruptcy filing. The innovative entrepreneur knows that no product or service is ever final. Nothing is ever good enough. 2. Keep your ears to the ground. Successful entrepreneurs constantly listen to what's being said about their industry, company and products and services. Remaining competitive and relevant means delivering the products and services that buyers want. Actively gathering feedback from customers through surveys, social media and other means lets entrepreneurs begin developing the products and services that the market is or will be seeking. Sitting around and being satisfied with success can lead to disaster. Today’s entrepreneurs must not only innovate to make their mark: They must also find ways to remain innovative to prevent their companies' extinction. The following three tips can help entrepreneurs maintain a culture of innovation to keep their business relevant:
3. Encourage failure. Entrepreneurs and their employees must constantly experiment. Professor Matson’s equation for innovation is "Creative Ideas + Experimentation = Innovation." If a company is to remain relevant, it must change with expectations. This means trying, failing and trying again with the aim to ultimately succeed.
By: Kelli Clussman 1. FITBIT - “I have 9 of my girlfriends that I am connected to with it, so everyday is a competition to see who has taken the most steps…I usually win.“ TRACK ACTIVITY - LOG FOOD - CONNECT WITH FRIENDS - SEE PROGRESS - SET GOALS TRAIN SMARTER - RECORD WORKOUTS - STAY MOTIVATED 2. HOUZZ - “I love to decorate and I get fun ideas from the app.” Houzz is a platform for home remodeling and design, bringing homeowners and home professionals together in a uniquely visual community. 3. MUSTBIN - Mustbin is a free app that enables you to capture, organize, share everything in your life with the people who matter most – easily and privately. Create bins for birthday parties, family vacations, company outings and baby pictures too precious for social networks. 18 Heart Beat | March 2015
How Well Do You Know Other Chamber Members?
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Meet The Members Gina Nytes Vice President - Consumer Lending Manager The Bank of Kaukauna www.bankofkaukauna.com
Give us a brief description/history of your business…. The Bank of Kaukauna started its banking operation in 1878. It has been a locally owned and operated financial institution since its inception. The Brogan family has owned the majority interest in the bank since the early 1970’s. The bank operates from one location at 264 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Kaukauna and services the Heart of the Valley as well as the entire Fox Valley. The Bank currently has 22 employees. The Bank of Kaukauna is a full service bank offering superior customer service, state of the art electronic banking along with traditional loan and deposit products for consumers and businesses. A quote from our 50th Anniversary booklet, from the year 1929, states: “It is the desire of our Officers and Directors that The Bank of Kaukauna will help you reach desired financial goals - no matter what they may be. This is a partner relationship.” This is as true today as it was then. Q: How did you get started in your field? I graduated from St Norbert College with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with the intent to go into Hotel Management. I was hired by a local hotel immediately after graduating and it didn’t take long for me to realize that it was not the career for me. I applied for an opening with F&M Bank in Kaukauna in 1987 and have worked in banking ever since. Q: Who is the one person that helped to make you who you are today? That would definitely be my Dad. He had such a wonderful sense of humor and never took life too seriously. He was just so much fun to be around. Q: What do you like most about working in the Heart of the Valley area? I love our small communities and the wonderful people.
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Q: What is the worst job you’ve ever had? While in college, my work-study job was in the dish room of the cafeteria. This is part of the reason I still hate to do the dishes. Q: OK, now the good stuff. What do you like to do for fun? I love to spend time at our cottage in the U.P. I especially enjoy kayaking on the Menominee River, hiking in the woods and tending to my massive perennial gardens. Q: What’s your favorite movie and why? My favorite has to be Disney’s Up. It has such a clever, heartwarming story and every time I watch it I catch something I hadn’t noticed before. Also, as a dog lover, I find the antics of the dogs to be absolutely hilarious. Q: Is your desk messy or organized? Organized messy. Q: Green Bay Packers or another team? Green Bay every time, but I also love my Badgers. Q: Where was your best vacation and why? My husband and I spent a week in Sedona, Arizona. The bright blue sky against the deep red rock was absolutely beautiful. Each day we chose a different mountain to climb, and came home with some fabulous photos. Q: What are the Top 3 items on your bucket list? 1. Go on an Alaskan Cruise. 2. Swim with Dolphins. 3. Travel to Australia.
* If you are a Chamber member and would like to be featured, email Jamie! It’s free! *
Dan Flannery Vice President of Community Relations Goodwill Industries of North Central WI www.goodwillncw.org
Give us a brief description/history of your business…. Goodwill NCW is a not-for-profit human services organization that in 2014 helped improve the lives of more than 68,500 people across 35 counties in north central Wisconsin, through 27 programs and services. The organization includes 25 retail stores and training centers in communities from Manitowoc to La Crosse and as far north as Rice Lake and Rhinelander, plus a unique shopping experience at its Appleton outlet store. It offers seven Donation Express sites (the eighth coming to Little Chute in March) and 45 convenient donation bins located throughout the Fox Cities and surrounding communities. A member of Goodwill Industries International and Rehabilitation For Wisconsin, it is based at the Goodwill Community Center in Menasha.
acted on. When challenges confront us, we marshal resources to overcome them.
Q: How did you get started in your field? I was a journalist for 34 years, including the final 28.5 years at Post-Crescent Media. For the final seven years there, I was executive editor, and for the final three years, I was regional executive editor of Gannett Wisconsin Media. I changed careers in July 2014, joining Goodwill NCW as vice president of community relations, because I wanted to try another career that would allow me to continue to make a large difference and use my skills as a communicator.
Q: What’s your favorite movie and why? I’m not sure it’s my favorite, and maybe it has more to do with my frame of mind when I was a teen and young adult, but … I have watched “Blazing Saddles” 15 times, including three nights in a row when it was released in 1974. During a college trip to the UK in 1978, I watched it in a theater in Edinboro, Scotland.
Q: Who is the one person that helped to make you who you are today? My 93-year-old mother, who grew up during the Depression, and raised five kids in Forest County (WI) with little help from her husband. She taught me the courage of conviction, the need for independent thinking and the importance of knowing how to troubleshoot. Q: What do you like most about working in the Heart of the Valley area? I love the Heart of the Valley and the Fox Cities as a whole because there’s a can-do spirit unlike anything I’ve seen in other municipal areas. When issues arise, they are tackled. When opportunities are presented, they are fully vetted and
Q: What is the worst job you’ve ever had? During summers in high school, I worked at Camp Five Farm in Laona, a tourist attraction that included a petting barn. The first 20 minutes of every morning included moving our three pigs from one pen to another, across the aisle in the barn, then cleaning the pen they’d just left. It’s called a “pig pen” for a reason, and cleaning it is a not-so-pleasant memory. Q: OK, now the good stuff. What do you like to do for fun? Golf, play guitar, hang with three grandsons, head to the cottage about an hour north of the Fox Cities.
Q: Is your desk messy or organized? Messy. Q: Green Bay Packers or another team? I follow the Packers, but I can’t honestly say I’m a fan of any team. Q: Where was your best vacation and why? Hawaii (Oahu and Maui), 2013. Relaxing, beautiful, freeing. What vacations should be. Q: What are the Top 3 items on your bucket list? 1. Write a book (it’s started). 2. Perform for a full-house audience at the Fox Cities PAC with a good band. 3. Visit Australia. 21
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SBA Launches Online Loan Marketplace: What Took It So Long?
SBA chief Maria Contreras Sweet announced a new loan marketplace that will match borrowers with lenders online.
By contrast, alternative loan marketplaces such as Biz2Credit and On Deck can offer loan applicants decisions within minutes, and can have cash in small business owners' accounts within minutes. A key difference, however, is the annual percentage rate charged for the loans. Whereas SBA 504 and 7(a), its two flagship loans, tend to have rates under 10 percent, often the rates for alternative lending marketplaces can be between 30 and 60 percent.
The SBA is getting into the online loan business.
For its part, Biz2Credit chief executive and founder Rohit Arora, says the SBA's service does not pose a threat, particularly because big banks still have a paper-intensive back offices that take time to process loans.
In remarks at the Kauffman Center in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Small Business Administration chief Maria Contreras-Sweet announced the agency is launching a new online marketplace that will match potential SBA loan "Actually, the SBA's service is good for us in the sense that it candidates with bank lenders in all 50 states starting helps create more awareness within banks to start thinking immediately. The service will be called Leveraging Information about digital lending solutions," Arora said. and Networks to Access Capital, or LINC. The SBA provides billions of dollars worth of loans each year With LINC, the SBA joins a burgeoning industry of alternative to entrepreneurs through its 7(a) and 504 programs, and lenders such as Kabbabe, On Deck Capital and Biz2Credit, guaranteed $19.2 billion worth of loans in 2014. which provide financing to small business owners through digital marketplaces that match lenders and borrowers. "Small business lending is the newest frontier for matchmaking Obama's Pick for SBA Chief Would Be an Advocate for service technology," Contreras-Sweet said. "We are Underdogs. Former entrepreneur Maria Contreras-Sweet implementing these services today, and will bring SBA lenders brings plenty of experience fighting for the underserved and and entrepreneurs together." Contreras-Sweet says the SBA has worked for the past year to create LINC, and has whittled down the lengthy, paper-intensive application process for its loans to a list of 20 questions. Once answered and submitted online, prospective lenders can reach out to potential loan applicants they think might be a match for their SBA portfolios and continue the process. However, there is no guarantee of a loan, the administrator said. 24 Heart Beat | March 2015
underprivileged. The 58 year old, born in Guadalajara, Mexico, immigrated to the U.S. with her parents and five siblings at age 5. She is the founder and chair of ProAmĂŠrica Bank, a Latino-owned community bank in Los Angeles, and was previously secretary of the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency. Contrereas-Sweet also co-founded a private equity fund called Fortius Holdings, which specializes in California small businesses.
Nail These 5 Interview Questions and Get Your Dream Job
Interviews are changing. Don't get stuck without an answer. Prepping for your next big job interview? There are some critical interview questions you need to get ready for--either gauging responses or figuring out the best way to answer some of the quirkier requests. The times they are a-changin', and so are interview formats. Many are informal and more conversational than the traditional question-and-answer format. It's not going to do to read up on as many interview “ questions as possible. It's quality over quantity, and being prepared for worst-case scenarios. After all, it's pretty easy to think on your feet when you're asked about how your education complements the job, but not so simple to think up an appropriate joke on the spot. Here are some (very real) interview questions that might be in your future and how to answer them.
3. Tell me a joke. Yes, this is a very real (and very frightening) job interview "question" that's been gaining in popularity. However, you should have a few clean jokes up your sleeve anyway, and interview prep is the perfect time to memorize them. Steer clear of any that could be offensive (and please, no "hurts donut" jokes). 4. How would your friends describe you? The best way to find out is to ask them now - or pose the question on Facebook and let everyone chime in. Choose replies that would work well in a job setting, such as "dependable" or "trustworthy." As a bonus, you get a peek into what the people around you really see as your best side.
1. What's your biggest strength/weakness?
5. Where do you want to be career-wise in five years?
This pair is played out, but it still gets asked on a regular basis. Interviewers know all the cop-out answers (like being "too much of an achiever"), and a lot of managers tune out during these questions anyway. The trick? Answer them honestly, but choose your mildest weakness and a moderate strength. Saying you prefer prioritizing to multitasking is a good "weakness" since recent studies show that nobody excels at multitasking.
This one's tricky and depends on the job you're applying for. However, assuming it's a job you plan to stick with for a few years, it's time to do your research. American society has a penchant for assuming everyone wants to keep climbing the corporate ladder when that might not be the case. Not everyone wants to be a manager or to have "senior" in front of his or her title. If you do want to keep moving up the ranks, figure out the next ladder rung at the company you're interviewing with and work that goal into the answer.
2. What's up with these gaps in your employment history? This isn't the red flag it used to be, since the Great Recession isn't that far behind us, but it's still relevant. How you answer depends on the reality of your situation. Were you laid off with scores of others? Did you have trouble finding a job or take a few random gigs to make ends meet? There's no shame in that, so be honest. 26 Heart Beat | March 2015
There are many right and wrong ways to answer interview questions. Your best tool is researching the company and practicing your responses.
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