Business Leader Spring 2015

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♌ April 6, 2015

4 COVER STORY

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SPRING 2015 ➤ Guest Columns ���������������������� Pages 10 & 13 ➤ By The Numbers ����������������������� Pages 18-19 ➤ Business Directory �������������������������� Page 21 ➤ Briefcase ��������������������������������� Pages 22-25

Government can be valuable customer.

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8

➤ Crossword ������������������������������������� Page 26 ➤ Calendar ��������������������������������� Pages 27-30

Area entrepreneur starts networking group.

An additional profile is on page 17.

Page

16 FEATURE STORY

Graphic Artist ~ John Balgaard _________ Sales Director ~ Kathy.Hayden@ecpc.com ________________ Magazine Advertising & Distribution Coordinator ~ Catie.Carlson@ecpc.com

Editor ~ Liam.Marlaire@ecpc.com 715-833-9215 or 800-236-7077

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nternational trade supports more than 785,000 jobs in Wisconsin, according to a recent report from a Washington, D.C.-based research and advisory organization.

The Business Roundtable, an association of CEOs in the U.S., reported that in 2013 about $23.6 billion in goods and $6 billion in services were exported from Wisconsin.

“Trade is vital to economic growth and jobs in Wisconsin and the United States,” said John Engler, Business Roundtable president, in a news release. “To help local businesses reach 95 percent of the world’s customers who live outside the United States, we must continue to create new trade opportunities.”

Drawing from Business Roundtable research and U.S. government data, a state analysis illustrates the growing role of trade in Wisconsin. Findings included: ➤ The state’s trade-related employment grew 13.6 times faster than total employment from 2004 to 2013.

COMMUNITY PROFILE

➤ Book Review ���������������������������������� Page 12

Regional companies earn Focus on Energy awards. ➤ Eighty-seven percent of Wisconsin exporters are smalland medium-sized companies with fewer than 500 workers. ➤ Customers in 207 countries buy Wisconsin-made goods and services, including billions of dollars in annual exports to top markets such as Canada, Mexico and China.

For western Wisconsin businesses interested in exporting, visit export.gov/wisconsin/ or the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. website at inwisconsin.com/export/.

"Wisconsin leverages a global network of foreign trade agents who represent 54 countries and can provide in-country expertise in some of the world’s fastest growing markets," says the WEDC website.

This edition of Business Leader covers government contracts, energy issues, community leaders and other topics.

Exporting will get a more detailed look in our next issue.

Thanks again to Business Leader readers and the advertisers who make this publication possible.

Published four times per year by the Leader-Telegram advertising department. Copyright 2015 Eau Claire Press Co., 701 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire, WI 54701. All rights reserved. 800-236-7077. www.leadertelegram.com

COVER STORY

Coveted customer Federal government a valuable resource for regional businesses

F

By Eric Lindquist, Leader-Telegram staff

or a small business, the federal government can seem like a behemoth.

The idea of selling products and services to Uncle Sam often seems like a pipe dream – intimidating and unattainable.

But several Chippewa Valley small business operators have found a way to get past their initial fears and make a customer out of the nation’s largest buyer of goods and services.

“The federal government can be a tremendous market for businesses,” said Aina Vilumsons, executive director of the Wisconsin Procurement Institute, a nonprofit group that assists state businesses seeking government contracts. “The barriers to entry are a little higher than with the private sector, but people with the patience and fortitude to get past that tend to do very well.”

While companies interested in federal contracting generally are responsible for seeking out that market on their own, it can work the other way around. Essentially, that’s how Indianhead Truck Equipment of Menomonie and Highway Construction Products of Spring Valley became federal suppliers last year.

For Highway Construction Products, the out-of-the-blue contact came late last spring from the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. An agency representative, interested in replacing a dilapidated, unsafe guardrail on a bridge in Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota, got the company’s name off the Internet.

After an exchange of ideas, photos and price quotes, the agency asked Highway Construction Products to register in the database of federal contractors so it could be selected as the supplier of materials for a replacement guardrail, said Adam Mattison, vice president of the firm, which already had extensive experience supplying local highway departments and municipalities in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

About three months later, Mattison had gathered all of the necessary plans and materials and delivered them to the park, where agency staff assembled the guardrail.

In exchange, the company was paid about $20,000 and now is pursuing a similar contract in a different location in northern Minnesota.

“It takes time to register and fill out the paperwork, but it’s not that bad,” Mattison said. “And once you’re done, you basically just have to update your registration after that.”

Companies that want to become vendors for the federal government must register with the System for Award Management, or SAM, the clearinghouse for all federal contractors. Registration at the site (Sam.gov) is free.

Contributed photo Doug Gane is the general manager of Indianhead Truck Equipment, a Menomonie company that recently began doing business with the federal government.

See Page 6

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April 6, 2015 ♦

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COVER STORY

Contributed Photo A tow tractor made by NMC-Wollard in Eau Claire hauls a U.S. Air Force aircraft. The company, which relies heavily on defense contracts, has cut its workforce in half in response to automatic federal spending cuts associated with sequestration in 2013.

from Page 5 Mattison’s first experience doing business with the feds went smoothly enough that he said federal contracting could become an important business component for the company, which he operates with his wife, Delaine, who serves as president.

While he admitted it was a little overwhelming when they first started filling out the necessary forms, Mattison’s conclusion now shows a distinct attitude adjustment: “It was definitely worth the red tape,” he said.

‘Fairly easy’ The story was similar for Indianhead Truck Equipment, which received a call last fall from a representative of Fort Snelling National Cemetery in the Twin Cities inquiring about prices for snowplows and sanders that could be attached to pickup trucks to clear roads in the cemetery.

“We gave them a price and they liked it, so they said we needed to get set up with the federal system so we could get paid,” said Doug Gane, general manager.

Not one to turn down a customer, Gane got online and started filling out the necessary paperwork.

He found federal workers helpful when he had questions and the company was approved as a federal contractor within three weeks.

Contrary to stereotypes about interminable government red tape, Gane said he was pleasantly surprised by the process and pleased with the $26,500 the company received for its efforts from the U.S. Veterans Administration.

“Actually, it was fairly easy,” he said. “It was absolutely better than my expectations.”

While the firm generally supplies mostly privatesector clients, Gane said he plans to explore more federal contracting opportunities.

“I would definitely encourage other businesses to give it a try,” he said.

That reaction is not unusual for businesses new to federal contracting, Vilumsons said, although some companies can get in over their heads if they pursue major contracts and aren’t prepared to meet the required quality standards or gear up production if necessary.

“A company really does need to evaluate if they are willing to allocate the resources and staff to go forward with federal contracting,” she said. “It’s a very diverse market for companies that are ready and willing to invest in it and willing to go long term with it.”

Dozens of regional companies – supplying everything from military equipment and canned vegetables to weed control and health care services – take advantage of federal largesse, some through their own contracts and some as subcontractors for firms with multimillion-dollar contracts. Even small companies can benefit from federal laws requiring the government to give certain preferences in awarding contracts to small, disadvantaged and women-owned businesses.

Big money The value of federal government contracts awarded to west-central Wisconsin companies totaled $22.9 million in fiscal 2014, up 25 percent from $18.3 million the previous year, according to the Wisconsin Procurement Institute, which also tracks government spending.

That regional jump came despite the value of contracts to the state’s nearly 2,000 federal contractors plummeting 28 percent statewide to $2.8 billion in the year ending Sept. 30.

“That’s still significant money coming into the state, and that means jobs,” Vilumsons said.

Much of the statewide decline, Vilumsons explained, was The company buys and puts its labels on excess food the result of defense spending dropping at Oshkosh Corp., prepared and packaged mostly by major brands and then the state’s largest military contractor, by more than $1.1 distributes them to prisons all over the country, said owner billion as U.S. involvement in the war in Afghanistan tailed Damian Walker. off.

He said the federal prison While defense spending procurement business has still accounts for a majority been fairly steady and County 2014 State ranking* 2010-14 total of Wisconsin’s share of now accounts for about 15 Barron $198,003 56 $ 1.1 million federal procurement percent of the company’s Buffalo $3 million 25 $14.5 million Chippewa $1.4 million 33 $15.5 million dollars, it can be a fickle sales. Hidden Valley Clark $130,823 59 $1.2 million sector and is the main distributed about 700,000 Dunn $705,803 45 $8.9 million reason federal spending is pounds of products to the Eau Claire $14.5 million 14 $93.4 million down regionally over the federal institutions last year.

Jackson $36,433 67 $6 million past five years, she said.

While red tape and the Pepin $0 72 $293,125 For instance, the value of federal bidding system can Pierce $172,505 57 $1.1 million Rusk $384,393 48 $12.8 million federal contracts last year in be difficult to navigate, St. Croix $1.6 million 31 $16 million 12 west-central Wisconsin Walker said he still Trempealeau $745,911 43 $10.8 million counties was just a third of considers the government a Total $22.9 million $181.7 million the $67.8 million registered good customer. *Ranking among Wisconsin’s 72 counties in 2010, when the wars in 4 Control, a company Staff graphic Source: Wisconsin Procurement Institute Iraq and Afghanistan were that specializes in herbicide still raging. In that five-year applications to control period, federal procurement totals dropped 57 percent in weeds, brush and invasive plant species, was Dunn County’s Eau Claire County, 79 percent in in Chippewa County and No. 2 federal contractor last year. The nearly 30-year-old 70 percent in Dunn County, according to figures compiled by company was awarded contracts totaling $142,942 last year, WPI. according to WPI. Despite the ebbs and flows 4 Control sends teams of of federal contracting, it can workers to national forests and serve as a good countercyclical U.S. highway right-of-ways Procurement primer balance to a company’s privateacross the Midwest and along What: The Wisconsin Procurement Institute will conduct sector business, Vilumsons said. the Mississippi River from an upcoming seminar in Eau Claire about how to become In general, she said, the Minnesota to Missouri, often a manufacturing supplier for the military and/or its prime federal government is buying to treat for invasive species or contractors. more services and fewer control vegetation growth, said When: 9 a.m. to noon Friday, May 1. manufactured products than co-owner Marion Shambeau.

Where: Chippewa Valley Technical College Business it was a few years ago, so “Garlic mustard is a huge Education Center, Room 100A, 620 W. Clairemont Ave. contractors must adjust. Among problem in national forests,” Information: patricias@wispro.org or 920-840-3771. today’s hot sectors are health Shambeau said. “It’s brought care, information technology in on ATVs.” and cyber security services.

The federal contracts make “There are a lot of opportunities, but not the same ones up at least half of the company’s business, she said. that were here five or 10 years ago,” Vilumsons said.

Missed opportunities Some business owners shy away from federal contracting Though federal government contracts have resulted in because they are uncomfortable with the additional rules $181.7 million flowing to west-central Wisconsin companies and transparency requirements that go along with it. Those over the past five years, Eau Claire County is the lone things might include having contract details open to public regional county that ranks in the top 20 among the state’s 72 scrutiny and putting up with government inspectors at a counties. Eau Claire County ranked 14th last year. private business.

WPI, which conducts more than 80 educational events “In that way, it’s not for everybody,” Vilumsons said. “But annually on government procurement, aims to promote more if you understand and accept what the requirements are, it’s federal contracts in northwestern Wisconsin. not red tape anymore. It’s just part of the process.”

“We’re trying to make more of an impact in that area Making it work because I think there’s a lot more potential there for work Two area small businesses that have made federal with the feds,” Vilumsons said. contracting a core part of their business strategy are Hidden A key hurdle involves simply becoming aware of Valley Industries and 4 Control, both in Menomonie. the opportunities and requirements related to federal Hidden Valley was awarded federal contracts totaling contracting. $238,405 in 2014, making it Dunn County’s top company for “I think a lot of companies have products or services the supplying the U.S. government. The 35-year-old salvage food government would buy, but they don’t realize it,” she said. wholesale business specializes in providing packaged food “Someone will get that work. Why not your company?” such as vegetables, fruits, puddings, cheese sauces and salad Lindquist can be reached at 715-833-9209, 800-236-7077 or eric. dressings to federal prisons. lindquist@ecpc.com.

Federal procurement in region

April 6, 2015 ♦

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COMMUNITY PROFILE

Persistence pays off Entrepreneur helps others further their ideas

By Pamela Powers, Menomonie News Bureau

P

ELK MOUND atrick Rebman knows many people want to start a business but maybe need someone to whom they can ask questions and bounce off ideas.

About a year ago he hit on the idea of starting the Dunn County Entrepreneurs After Hours, a group that meets regularly. As a casual get-together – similar to the Greater Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours – entrepreneurs, both new and established, can exchange ideas.

“The thing that surprised me is we’ve had people come with a lot of ideas but, more than that, we’ve had a half-dozen angel investors attend,” Rebman said, noting angel investors will help fund startup businesses.

“A lot of people want to start a business thinking it will be way easier and they won’t have to answer to a boss or punch a clock,” Rebman said. “It’s 24-7. You have to be ready not to take a paycheck for a while. There can be rewards out of it too.”

Rebman, 42, of Eau Claire, owns The Pourhouse, a bar and grill in Elk Mound. When The Pourhouse opened in 2009 it was the first tavern in Elk Mound in 131 years.

He also co-owns Chippewa Valley Property Management and is a real estate agent with Donnellan Real Estate. Rebman has his own consulting business, Rebman Consulting, that helps small nonprofit groups with capital campaigns. He is the current vice president of the Dunn County Economic Development Corp. board of directors and will be president in 2016.

Eric Turner, Dunn County EDC director, said many entrepreneurs can fail if they don’t have the right guidance. Dunn County Entrepreneurs After Hours helps provide that guidance and get the right answers from those who have had the same questions.

“It is to prevent them from failing,” Turner said. “One thing with entrepreneurs, they don’t let the failures get them down.

They learn from them. They get back up, dust themselves off and do it again.”

Rebman is passionate about his businesses, Turner said.

“Everything he does, he hits it hard and enjoys it,” Turner said.

minican Republic and in the fall The father of one daughter, went to Mongolia for a month. He Rebman initiated the idea about loves adventure travel, taking off 10 years ago to start the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire. After visitto places with just one bag. He also has visited Bolivia and Madagascar ing other children’s museums with and has traveled up the Amazon his daughter, Morgan, who is now River. studying international studies at Traveling helps keep him fresh UW-Oshkosh, Rebman thought it and gives him ideas how to imwould be nice to have a children’s museum in Eau Claire. prove his businesses.

Suzie Slota and he started work“You tend to get in a rut thinking ing to raise money and were able things have to be done one certain to generate the $2.5 million needed way,” Rebman said. “When you for the museum. Rebman served as travel to remote locations, people the first executive director for the do things in different ways that you never would have thought about. It museum for about three years. opens your eyes to different kinds “I go down there now and one of of cultures.” the most rewarding things is half Traveling to remote areas also the staff doesn’t know who I am Patrick Rebman, who helped start the Dunn County Entrepreneurs gives him a needed break from and most of the people there don’t After Hours group, owns The Pourhouse in Elk Mound. work because there is usually no cellknow me,” said Rebman, who grew up in Oregon and graduated from UW-Eau Claire in 1995 with a degree phone coverage. in geography. “There was a time when if I didn’t show every day Trying new things is part of being an entrepreneur, Rebman said. the museum would have been done. It’s an institution now for the “I try things all the time in the bar and about half don’t work,” he Chippewa Valley.” said. “Being part of a business is trying things and realizing what are After graduating from UW-Eau Claire, Rebman joined the Peace bad ideas and being able to switch gears before you are underwater.”

Corps for two years.

Powers can be reached at 715-556-9018 or pamela.powers@ecpc.com.

“The Peace Corps was an experience I just loved,” Rebman said. ________________________________________________________ “I was living in a remote place at the foothills of the Himalayan For more information about Dunn County Entrepreneurs After Hours Mountains.” meeting times and places, contact the Dunn County Economic DevelopAn avid traveler, Rebman most recently returned from the Doment Corp. at 715-232-4009 or visit dunnedc.com.

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February 6, 2015 ♦

| 9

CEO SPEAK

Successful fulfilled?

&

Jeff West is the owner and president of Bear Down (beardowninc .com), an executive coaching and strategy implementation company based in Eau Claire. He was a founder and president/ CEO of Silicon Logic Engineering. He is the chair of the local chapter of TEC (The Executive Committee), the world’s largest business owner and CEO organization. West also is owner and chair of Business Partners, a local small-business group.

Taking stock of one’s life can be enlightening “It is not in the pursuit of happiness that we find fulfillment, it is in the happiness of pursuit.”

DENIS WAITLEY,

I

author and lecturer

By Jeff West ’ll admit it, I have a cool job. I get to work with people who by almost any definition you can come up with are very successful. They typically drive nice cars, have beautiful homes, take cool vacations, etc. Yet when asked how “fulfilled” they are with their lives, there is often a long pause. Take a second and ask yourself that question. How fulfilled am I with my life?

Fulfillment is that sense deep inside that your life is whole, complete, that you’re living up to your potential and loving it! It means that if it all ended tomorrow your life would have meant something. Be honest with yourself. Did you get excited just now thinking about what that would be like?

Here’s a quick test you can use to see if you are leading a fulfilled life. Do you get up in the morning energized by your work, your life purpose? Do you look forward to making a difference in the lives of your customers, employees, family and friends? If so, congratulations!

However if you really explore your feelings and feel like something is missing don’t be too hard on yourself, you’re in good company.

How is it we can be ridiculously successful but have that continual feeling of, “Is this all there is?”

Think about it this way, success is primarily defined by things external to us, like how much money we make, our standing in the community, the job title we have. All of these things mean we’re being measured against others. It’s external.

Fulfillment is just the opposite. Fulfillment is defined by internal measures. It’s based on how we feel about ourselves and what we’re doing or have done. Fulfillment comes from discovering what our sense of meaning and purpose is and then living it.

So how does this equate to what you’re doing as a leader of your business? How much time do you spend doing the things in your business that energize you? The things you really, really, really like doing. It might be out meeting with current or potential customers. It might be helping coach your employees into being the best team they can be. It might be inventing your next product or service. Whatever it is, are you doing that as much as you’d like?

The answer I typically hear is no, followed quickly by a long list of other job responsibilities that have to be done by them alone.

Yet those are just the things that turn what was originally a job that excited us and energized us into the one we have now. If you dig deeper into why you’re doing all sorts of jobs you ‘have’ to do you’ll often find you’ve trapped yourself. We make ourselves victims. Being really busy at things that don’t energize you is nothing more than another form of being lazy.

So you’re working 50, 60, 80, 100 hours a week and I just called you lazy? Yes. If you’re doing it at the expense of doing what you love. Does that mean we can all have a career that doesn’t require some amount of time spent on things we’d just as soon not have to do? Probably not, but it’s amazing how we can justify having those activities fill up most of our days. From personal experience I know how fast we can do that to ourselves and be able to justify it to anyone.

If we’re not spending the vast majority of our time doing what fulfills us, though, who are we cheating? Or, looking at it from a different direction, how much better could our business and our life be if we were doing what really excites us most of the time? When I ask that of my clients I’m almost always told their business would -Jeff West be much better off. Why? Our enthusiasm and energy rub off!

Your customers can feel it when you’re really offering something you believe in and are excited by.

Your employees feed off your energy or lack thereof. Do you think your family would like to see you fired up and happy on a daily basis? Most importantly, how would you feel about yourself? Going to bed each night knowing you made a difference in the world. Or in the words of Steve Jobs, “You put a dent in the universe.”

So take some time, ask yourself if you really can’t find a way to hand off things that de-energize you so you can spend more time doing what you love. It’s so easy to convince ourselves that I’m doing all these things now so I can be happy at some point in the future.

Really? What if that future never gets here and what the heck is wrong with being happy now?

Don’t be lazy! Challenge yourself to create the world you want to live in now. Do what you love doing as much as possible and see what a difference it makes in your life and the lives of those around you. Find what fulfills you and leave a great legacy!

“Don’t be lazy!”

10 |

♦ April 6, 2015

- Guest Article -

CVTC software training brings more than technical skills Eau Claire, WI – Carol Ann Solberg, the vice president of information technology at Charter Bank in Eau Claire, knew something special was happening when she heard employees in the lunchroom talking about the recent training sessions.

The 60 employees at Eau Claire’s largest bank had been taking classes in Microsoft’s Outlook, Word and Excel programs through Chippewa Valley Technical College’s (CVTC) Business & Industry (B&I) Services, taught by Suzanne Blau.

“They were talking about the class and wanted to know if others understood about the tabs and tables,” Solberg said.

“That you could walk into the lunchroom and hear people talking about the classes is a compliment to Suzanne. She is an excellent teacher.”

Solberg counts employees coming together and ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ę ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ which is designed to sharpen business technology skills.

Virtually all businesses use software that is essential to their operations. Managers know there is always a learning curve when new employees need to learn unfamiliar programs, and an even bigger learning curve when new software is introduced at a workplace.

“The problem with software applications is there is always variation in the levels of skills,” Blau said. “Many people are self-taught and there are things they don’t know and they don’t know they don’t know them.” ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ software they use on a daily basis. CVTC’s B&I Services can help with that, as Blau did at Charter Bank.

“We had been thinking about it for some time,” Solberg said.

“And (Charter Bank President) Paul Kohler is a big advocate of training.”

For Charter Bank, it started with Microsoft Outlook, a program for email and much more.

“You’d be surprised at how many people didn’t know what ȱ ě ǰȄȱ ȱ ǯȱȃ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȃ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ calendar function. That helped a lot of them.”

The employees moved on to Microsoft Word. “We do quite a lot with Word,” Solberg said. “Word is used a lot in ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱę ǰȱ ȱ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȄ “Word is not a hard program to learn, but there are a lot of ǰȄȱ ȱ ǯȱȃ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱȮȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱȮȱ ȱ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ program.”

CVTC Business & Industry Services Instructor Suzanne Blau teaches a class on business software at Charter Bank in Eau Claire.

That’s where communication between the employer and instructor is invaluable. Instructors in CVTC’s B&I Services customize their training programs to the needs of the client.

“Carol Ann gave me a list of things she wanted me to cover,” Blau said. ȃ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ needed,” Solberg said.

Customization for certain employees at Charter was particularly useful in the class on Excel. A spreadsheet ǰȱ ¡ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ said Charter has some heavy users of Excel – as well as some who use it only occasionally. Solberg said she is looking into advanced Excel training for the heavy users as a follow-up. ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ě ȱ at Charter Bank, including in the relationships between employees. “What was really neat to me was seeing our people working together. People’s greatest resource is the ȱ Ĵ ȱ ¡ ȱ ȱ ǰȄȱ ȱ ǯ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ that may not normally communicate much with each other, all working together to improve their skills. The sessions ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ organization.

“It says a lot about an organization that they want to invest in their employees,” Solberg said.

For more information on business technology and other training programs, contact CVTC’s B&I team at 800-547-CVTC, ext. 4676, or send an email message to businessindustry@cvtc.edu.

Chippewa Valley Technical College delivers superior, progressive continuing education and professional development for the area’s workforce.

770774 4-6-15

April 6, 2015 ♦

| 11

Book Review

Changing the game Imagination, passion among key character traits

By Terri Schlichenmeyer The Bookworm

Y

our father always told you to reach for the stars.

Be the best you can be, he said. Never let obstacles get in your way. Strive for success and challenge yourself – all excellent advice, but how can you harness astronomical success in this, or any economy? In the new book “It’s Not Rocket Science” by Mary Spio, you’ll find some stellar ideas.

Back when you graduated from high school or college, you were expected to find a job, work hard and move up the ladder until it was time to retire.

The “new dream,” though, is to find work that will allow you to create “a lifestyle of freedom by defining success your way.”

Spio, as it turns out, lives that statement.

Born in Syracuse, N.Y., Spio’s family moved back to its native Ghana when she was a little girl.

She grew up hearing her father urge her to reach for the stars and she took that advice to heart. As a teenager, she came back to the states, finished high The Bookworm is Terri school, joined the Air Schlichenmeyer. Terri has Force and went to work been reading since she for NASA. Her passion, was 3 years old and never however, lay elsewhere goes anywhere without a book. She lives on a hill in and she’s now a serial Wisconsin with two dogs entrepreneur and “Game and 12,000 books.

Changer.”

Game Changers are a new “tribe” of businessperson, says Spio.

They “change our world 12 |

♦ April 6, 2015

Title: “It’s Not Rocket Science: 7 Game-Changing Traits for Uncommon Success.”

Author: Mary Spio.

Pages: 256.

Publisher: Perigee Books (c.2015).

in some way ... by altering the way we think ... work or the way we live.” Not only do Game Changers ignore the rules, but they ignore conventional, oldschool advice too. Think Copernicus, says Spio, Bill Gates or Oprah. They share “seven key traits” with all Game Changers.

A big imagination is at the top of the list of Game Changer attributes. Imagination leads to inquisitiveness, creativity and ideas, and “curiosity drives action.”

Game Changers have a deep passion for their work, and they live that passion in their everyday lives. Their compassion drives them, and their days are spent “doing something meaningful.”

They possess laser focus in their actions and their “relentless hustle.” Game Changers are audacious, they make friends with risk and fear, and they have “pit bull tenacity.” Above all, they leave a “mark on the world.”

Lately, it seems, the math is simple: idea + passion + desire for change = success. And with “It’s Not Rocket Science,” that adds up nicely.

At first, though, on the surface, it doesn’t appear that there’s much new here. Spio essentially reiterates a lot of what you’ll find inside similar books. We’re encouraged to follow blueprints comparable to what other volumes espouse ... but look closer.

The twist is in illustrative stories Spio uses: they’re different, more approachable, more common-man in their scope. Here, impossibly high-positioned, superfamous CEOs are not held up as the only examples of achievement. That gives readers a sense that, indeed, mega-success truly is attainable by anyone.

In the end, I liked this book quite a bit because of the above and because it makes entrepreneurship sound fun again. And if that’s the kind of approach you need to become the next sensation, then “It’s Not Rocket Science” is out of this world.

Guest Column Adam Mohr has been a financial adviser for more than 13 years and is a managing partner of the Ameriprise Platinum Financial Services team of Mohr, Kolinski, Noe & Associates. Mohr specializes in building and protecting multigenerational wealth as well as helping pre-retirees and retirees create strategies for recreating their paycheck at which point they choose to stop working. His office and home are in Altoona.

I

n my practice it’s affectionately dubbed the Bermuda Triangle – the place where low-interest yield, equity volatility and a return of cash near zero collide in a seemingly fruitless pursuit of investment income. There’s no doubt that when it comes to income and yield, we’re in some challenging times and it would appear on the surface that there are no good options worth mentioning.

Humor me for a moment. Pretend you’re walking down the street and someone approaches you saying they have an investment idea that offers income higher than the 10-year Treasury, grows 2.5 percent faster than inflation, has historically averaged 10 percent and, in most cases, receives favorable tax treatment.

You can generate income without having to sell low or perhaps ever having to sell at all. Furthermore, you’ll have complete transparency, meaning you’ll know what you own and you’ll know what you pay.

“But here’s the catch,” they say. “You’ll have to stomach a bit of market fluctuation where historically three out of four years you’ll see positive returns but one in four years you’ll experience flat or negative returns. Is that something you might be interested in?”

Once you get past the seemingly shady proposition, you might be intrigued, right? “Sure, but that sounds a little too good to be true,” you say. “Nothing exists that could possibly fit the bill.”

While you would be applauded for being judicious, you wouldn’t necessarily be correct. Fortunately for our clients, my team and I are in the business of truth, not convincing, and as far as income goes in this lowyield environment (bonds, savings accounts, CDs), all signs point toward the importance of exposure in equities; particularly dividend-producing stocks. Income-producing equities, and most notably their upward trajectory of the last few years, are perhaps one of the most disregarded areas of investing.

So what exactly is an income-producing equity? Simply stated, it is a stock that originates its return from its stock price as well as the dividend it pays. Dividends are paid by corporations as a way to distribute the earnings of the company to its shareholders. When a corporation earns a profit or has a surplus, the money can be reinvested in the business or paid out to shareholders as a dividend that is typically paid quarterly.

Dividends create wealth by providing a cash return on an ongoing basis. This cash return can be used to purchase additional shares, allowing an investor to build equity and potentially increase future dividend distributions. Another option is to turn the cash return into income in the form of a paycheck wired directly into a bank account.

There are tax advantages that go along with income-producing equities. Qualifying dividends from equities are currently taxed at a maximum rate of 20 percent (applied to those in the 39.6 percent tax bracket). The same holds true for long-term capital gains tax. In contrast, income paid from corporate bonds, CDs and other cash equivalents is

Show me the money The endless search for investment income taxed at your ordinary income tax rate. As you can imagine, taxes can significantly impact your total return.

Perhaps the greatest advantage of utilizing dividend-paying stocks as a form of income is that one can potentially avoid having to dip into their principal, thus avoiding a spend-down of their account, all the while benefiting from growth potential. Although they aren’t guaranteed, dividends are an implied promise and for the most part have continued to be paid even through market volatility.

When we consider volatility and risk, dividend-paying stocks are a signal of a company’s long-term fiscal growth and are most typically derived from strong and mature companies that have robust balance sheets and significant cash reserves. They are a transparent window into quality and value and cannot in any way be manipulated through creative accounting as share prices can.

Historically, dividend-paying stocks have outperformed non-dividendpaying stocks and with considerably less volatility. Consider the facts.

Between the years of 1994 and 2014, the S&P 500 (prices) was up 348 percent while the Total Return Index, which takes dividends into account, was up 555 percent over the same time frame. Furthermore, if you were to invest $100,000 in the Dow Jones U.S. Select Dividend Index at the start of the secular bear market in the year 2000, by the year 2013 your investment would have grown to approximately $358,175. In contrast, investing $100,000 strictly into the S&P 500 index starting in the year 2000 would have produced an account balance of approximately $124,492 by the end of 2013 provided dividends were not reinvested. If that doesn’t build an intriguing story, I don’t know what does.

It’s helpful to summarize eight fundamental characteristics of a dividend investor that leads to the greatest chance of generating wealth: 1. They understand stock prices can be impacted by factors beyond corporate fundamentals and choose not to solely rely on prices to generate return and create wealth.

2. They realize dividend stocks offer something that few incomeoriented investments offer – growth potential.

3. They embrace the power of reinvesting and its compounding impact on wealth creation and ultimately know it is a long-term practice of patience.

4. They are less concerned with day-to-day price movements and concentrate on generating and growing portfolio cash return through investing in growing, cash-generating businesses that are built to last.

They don’t sweat the downturns and know a well-selected portfolio will still produce income regardless of the price trends.

5. They take advantage of pullbacks and know their reinvestment strategy is benefiting from buying at lower prices.

6. They understand that yield is an indicator of value, but that company fundamentals are vital in determining the likelihood of sustainable dividend payments.

See page 14

April 6, 2015 ♦

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Guest Column From page 13

7. Like any other successful investment strategy, they don’t put their eggs in one basket and create a diversified portfolio of no less than 15 companies in at least seven out of 10 economic sectors and no more than 25 percent in any one sector.

8. They understand there is a benefit of active management that comes with aligning with an expert who understands all of the risks, including the possibility of dividend cuts, volatility, potential tax law changes and interest rates, among others.

As Vince Lombardi once said, “Fatigue makes fools of us all.� In the world of investing, this is especially true. The tireless search for cash return has led many to accept defeat and in many cases suffer for it. Although there are no good “risk-free� options for income these days, it’s encouraging to know that with an open mind and help from an expert, you have very viable choices.

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FEATURE STORY Focused on energy Organization's incentive programs boost business efficiency

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By Liam Marlaire, Leader-Telegram staff

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♦ April 6, 2015

A Kwik Trip task force focused on energy reduction met with Dan Hanson of Focus on Energy in 2006.

The La Crosse-based chain, which now has more than 400 locations, was looking to install a control program – part of an energy management system – in its stores. The meeting fueled a longtime relationship with Focus on Energy, which is a statewide energy efficiency and renewable resource program of Wisconsin's utilities.

"Focus on Energy assisted Kwik Trip with the analysis of the application and discussed an incentive program which helped Kwik Trip to pursue this first of many energy-efficiency projects," said Travis Glasshoff, who works in the company's communications center.

It recently was announced that Kwik Trip was one of nine recipients of the Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency from Focus on Energy. The group also included Flambeau River Papers, Park Falls; Sun Prairie Ice Arena; Meyers Electric Service, Rice Lake; Aurora Health Care, Milwaukee; and Madison companies Home Energy Solutions, Kessenich's LTD, American Home Consultants and Sustainable Engineering Group.

Since 2006, Focus on Energy’s incentive programs have helped Kwik Trip pursue energy-efficiency projects in both new construction and remodels. Examples include: ■ From 2009-2012, Kwik Trip replaced all older lamps in its stores with new, energy-efficient lamps.

■ From 2010-2012, the company upgraded the refrigeration equipment in its stores by replacing the older electric fan motors with new, energyefficient ECM (electronically commutated motor) fans. The new motors use less electricity and generate less heat.

■ An ongoing task that began in 2011 is a fuel canopy lighting upgrade project. Older metal halide lights are being replaced with LED fixtures.

The latter use less energy, produce a higher quality of light and last longer, Glasshoff said. The project is expected to be completed in summer 2016.

All new Kwik Trip stores are built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) specifications. In 2014 alone, according to Focus on Energy, Kwik Trip completed 771 energy-efficient measures at 229 locations totaling $425,209 in incentives netting annual savings of 6.9 million kilowatt-hours and 77,000 therm units of energy.

"The incentive program offered by Focus on Energy helps to make this all possible," Glasshoff said. "The money Kwik Trip receives in rebates/ incentives from Focus on Energy helps to pay for these energy-efficiency upgrades and to pursue highly energy-efficient equipment in new construction projects as well; projects that would have otherwise not been pursued."

Meyers Electric is a family-owned electrical contracting business. The company partners with Focus on Energy to deliver efficient and renewable energy products and expertise to residents and businesses.

"They are one of our outstanding trade ally partners," said Tamara Sondgeroth, director of operations for Focus on Energy, "helping deliver significant energy savings to businesses in the more remote areas of Wisconsin.”

Focus on Energy is a "great first step" for businesses interested in exploring energy-efficiency opportunities, Glasshoff said, particularly in deciding what projects should come first.

"The evolution of efficiency is the best route to follow," Glasshoff said.

"Setting goals to tackle the lowest-hanging fruit first is the best place to start, such as lighting. Replacing the older lamps and fixtures will help with your energy reduction very quickly. Then you can move on to the next phase which can include HVAC or refrigeration equipment."

Economic development director hails from Twin Cities area

By Glen Olson Leader-Telegram staff “They’re already looking for space, so it’s more ‘what can we provide them.’ ” That’s how the Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corp.’s recently appointed director, Luke Hanson, describes his responsibility, which is bringing more business into the Chippewa Valley area.

Hanson, who became executive director in December after working as project manager and then interim director of the EDC, said he thinks the Eau Claire area has a number of amenities that make it an ideal place for businesses to move to.

“The outdoor activities in Eau Claire are bar none,” Hanson said.

“A lot of people, especially in the last five years, they’re more apt to getting out and doing things outdoors. And Eau Claire is one of the best places to do that. It’s a very large draw.”

Hanson is a University of Jamestown, N.D., graduate who grew up near the Twin Cities.

He started out at the Jamestown Economic Development Corp. part time, then switched to marketing for Agri-Cover, which specializes in tarps, mud flaps and other products for trucks and agricultural vehicles and is also based out Hanson of Jamestown.

Hanson came to the area to work as a business analyst for Ashley Furniture in Arcadia for several years before finally coming up to Eau Claire to begin as project manager for the EDC. He said that since he got here, Eau Claire has seen growth in expansion and business development in the area, beginning in 2010 to 2012.

“The economy is growing; it’s coming back,” Hanson said.

“And it hasn’t stopped since.”

The EDC lists in its 2012-14 accomplishments 771 jobs created and more than $74 million in private sector investments for local businesses.

In its goals for 2015-17, the EDC hopes to get more applicants for financial programs supporting local business expansions, host more entrepreneurial events and make more trips to talk to business leaders and companies about expanding into the Eau Claire area.

Hanson said they’re concerned mostly with facilitating and increasing business expansion and drawing in new businesses, in addition to filling what he described as a “skills gap” by locating and pooling local talent.

While Hanson wouldn’t give specifics, he said that a concentration will be on developing local businesses and startups, which he said need more assistance than larger companies in expanding their businesses or just starting out.

One of those opportunities will be their Startup Weekend, a national event on Oct. 9-11 that involves Web developers and entrepreneurs creating a Web or mobile app and developing and launching it by the end of the weekend.

Hanson said he enjoys seeing the tangible effects of the EDC’s work, and drawing in and creating opportunities in the area, whether it’s making a new space for business or creating jobs for people in the city.

“I thoroughly enjoy what I do. Being able to help companies, help business, get to where they’re going is a big benefit to me,” Hanson said. “I would much rather be a facilitator, and be there to help. I get more pleasure out of helping a company succeed than I would from doing it on my own.”

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- Guest Article -

Recent Federal Minimum Wage Law Change Affects Businesses Under New Federal Contracts for Construction and Services.

By Steve Bohrer – Ruder Ware, LLSC

On January 1, 2015, Executive Order 13658 (signed by President Obama on February 12, 2014) became effective raising the minimum wage for federal construction and service workers to $10.10 per hour and applied to all business performed on or in connection with new federal construction and service contracts. Businesses performing “on” covered contracts means those with workers directly performing the specific services or construction called for by a contract’s terms; businesses performing “in connection with” covered contracts means those with workers performing other duties necessary to the performance of a contract. In addition, beginning January 1, 2016, and annually thereafter, automatic annual pay adjustments will be determined at least 90 days before they take effect by the Department of Labor (DOL). Policy reasons provided for this change are: to increase workers’ morale, their productivity and quality of their work; to lower turnover and its accompanying costs; and to reduce supervisory costs leading to improved economy and efficiency in federal government procurement.

Provisions of this law apply to “new” construction and service contracts, i.e., those contracts resulting from business solicitations on or after January 1, 2015, or for contracts awarded outside the solicitation process on or after January 1, 2015, including replacements for expiring contracts. This does not include older extended contracts where the extension is made pursuant to a short-term limited extension entered into prior to January 1, 2015. The types of contracts covered by this law are divided into four major categories: 1) procurement contracts in excess of $2,000 for federally funded construction, alteration, or repair (including painting and decorating) of its public buildings or public works; 2) federal service contracts in excess of $2,500; 3) concessions contracts on federal property, such as contracts to furnish food, lodging, automobile fuel, souvenirs, newspaper stands, and/ or recreational equipment; and 4) contracts to provide services in federal buildings for federal employees or the general public, such as child care or dry cleaning.

The DOL has defined the term “contract” broadly to include all federal contracts and subcontracts, whether negotiated or advertised, including any procurement actions, lease agreements, cooperative agreements, provider agreements, intergovernmental service agreements, service agreements, licenses, permits, or any other type of agreement regardless of nomenclature or form. Federal contracts excluded from coverage and not subject to the new federal minimum wage requirements include grants, contracts and agreements with and grants to Native American Tribes, and procurement and service contracts under 20 |

♦ April 6, 2015

the monetary thresholds as stated above. Also exempt are federal service contracts for public utility services, including electric light and power, water, steam, and gas. Additionally exempt are employment contracts providing for direct services by an individual, such as a contract with someone to provide sign language interpretation for an event; and it does not apply to contracts for the manufacturing of materials, supplies, articles, or equipment for the federal government.

the Executive Order. There is an appeal process for parties found in violation to request a hearing before a DOL Administrative Law Judge; further appeal is to the DOL’s Administrative Review Board and potentially to the courts. In addition, there is a broad prohibition against retaliation against any worker that has filed a complaint, has instituted any proceeding, or has testified or is about to testify in any such proceeding regarding the federal minimum wage law.

The new federal minimum wage law also applies to full-time and part-time tipped employees (those customarily and regularly receiving more than $30 a month in tips) performing on or in connection with new federal service contracts. Such employees must be paid at least $4.90 per hour effective January 1, 2015, and the minimum wage will steadily increase in subsequent years until it is at least 70 percent of the Executive Order minimum wage.

The DOL estimates that approximately 200,000 workers will be impacted by Executive Order 13658.

It is important for businesses to be aware of this relatively new law and to make the necessary changes for compliance with the law.

Enforcement of these provisions for federal construction and service contracts is by the DOL. An individual may file a written or verbal complaint with any of the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division offices (the closest offices to the City of Eau Claire are located in Minneapolis and Milwaukee) which may lead to an investigation, including the inspection of contracts and payroll records. An investigation may also include interviews with the employer and its employees at the worksite during normal work hours. Remedies include payment of owed wages and may include a direction that the applicable contracting party withhold payments due on the contract as considered necessary to pay workers the full amount of wages due under

Steve has practiced law for over 25 years, spending a major portion of his career working in the public sector. At Ruder Ware, Steve works with public sector clients where he provides counsel on open meetings, public records, and other government issues. In addition, Steve works with public and private employers on employment law matters.

Attorney Steve Bohrer, Ruder Ware, L.L.S.C.

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briefcase Wisconsin exports see rise in ‘14 MADISON — Exports from Wisconsin businesses reached a record $23.4 billion in 2014 with the help of a 13.6 percent jump in agricultural exports, according to data reported by Gov. Scott Walker’s office.

An increase in shipments to the United Kingdom (up 24.9 percent) and Mexico (up 12.7 percent) helped offset decreases to China (down 5.7 percent) and Japan (down 3.4 percent). Total exports from Wisconsin businesses grew 1.4 percent.

Canada continued to buy the most Wisconsin goods at $7.94 billion, followed by Mexico ($2.84 billion), China ($1.56 billion) and Japan ($902 million).

Assisted-living facilities clear hurdle

CHIPPEWA FALLS — The Chippewa Falls Plan Commission approved conditional use permits in March for three assisted-living facilities.

Goldridge Cos., which owns Comforts of Home at 11 Scheidler Road, plans to raze its two existing buildings and replace them with a single 17,171-square-foot building featuring 32 units.

Eagleton Assisted Living is planning a 36-unit home on Lakeland Drive, located near the intersection of Highways 178 and I in the city’s northeast corner.

The third proposal is from CRS Rental Properties, which plans to redevelop the former Short Elliott Hendrickson headquarters at 421 Frenette Drive on the city’s south side.

New foundation launched in Eau Claire

The Evercode Foundation, which is taking a three-tiered approach to enhancing education, was launched.

The first tier is exposing students to computer science and tech industries and generating interest in the fields, and the second is working with UW-Eau Claire to recruit students to the applicable programs. The third is to “partner with local businesses to make sure we’re keeping top talent from UW-EC in the area, preventing ‘brain drain’ to bigger cities,” said Garrett Denney, president of the organization’s board of directors.

UW-Eau Claire, JAMF Nation Global Foundation, Satellite Six and WIN, all of which operate in Eau Claire, are Evercode’s founding members.

Study details office, retail space

New office space in the Eau Claire area enjoyed its greatest growth in the past five years in 2014, according to the Annual Market Report from Eau Claire-based Commonweal Development.

Three new office buildings in the market were completed and occupied last year — JAMF Software, RD Larson Business Center and DeFatta ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery. The office vacancy rate rose slightly to 12.9 percent from 11.3 in 2013. It was 11.1 percent in 2012, 9.6 percent in 2011 and 10.7 percent in 2O1O. The retail vacancy rate was 5.5 percent last year, compared with previous rates of 6 percent in 2012, 5.1 percent in 2011 and 5.7 percent in 2O1O.

Construction slips locally last year

A lack of large-scale projects limited construction totals last year in Eau Claire.

Overall building permit valuation in the city came to $78.4 million in 2014, compared with more than $150 million the previous year. The average over the past 15 years is $128.6 million, with 2009 setting the high mark at $197.6 million.

22 |

♦ April 6, 2015

“The interesting part is that we were super busy on major projects but, because of timing, many of the projects we worked on will get building permits in 2015,” said Mike Schatz, economic development director for the city.

In Chippewa Falls, 314 building permits were issued last year, up slightly from 304 in 2013 and 302 in 2012. Construction and remodeling permits in the Schatz city of Menomonie in 2014 hit nearly $68.8 million, more than three times that of 2013 when the city had about $20.6 million in permits issued.

Work continues on downtown hotel

A $16 million renovation to the former Ramada Convention Center, 205 S. Barstow St., in downtown Eau Claire continued.

The retrofit involves adding suites, a second-floor bar with outdoor terrace, a groundfloor coffee shop and a new restaurant emphasizing local foods. The Lismore Hotel will be affilated with Hilton Worldwide’s DoubleTree Hotel brand.

Developers are aiming to have the hotel’s event space open by mid-2015 and the hotel with a restaurant, bar and coffee shop open by the end of the year.

Marten Transport reports record quarter

MONDOVI — Marten Transport, a temperature-sensitive truckload carrier, reported the highest net income and operating revenue for any quarter in its history in the fourth quarter that ended Dec. 31.

Net income rose to $9 million, or 27 cents per share, from $7.3 million, or 22 cents per share, in the yearago period. Operating revenue increased 4.4 percent to $173.5 million.

“In the face of a difficult driver recruiting and retention environment, we successfully grew the Marten number of tractors for our truckload and dedicated segments by 78 tractors in ... (the) fourth quarter and by 161 tractors in 2014,” said Randolph Marten, chairman and CEO, in a news release.

The company also announced it would move from two to four financial reporting segments — truckload, dedicated, intermodal and brokerage.

In other earnings news: ■ HUTCHINSON, Minn. — Hutchinson Technology Inc. reported a net loss of $9.9 million, or 32 cents per share, on net sales of $72.4 million in its fiscal 2015 first quarter that ended Dec 28. The net loss for HTI, which has around 500 employees at a plant in Eau Claire, included a $4.3 million loss on debt extinguishment, $860,000 of noncash interest expense, $640,000 of foreign currency losses and $160,000 of site consolidation costs. In adjusted results from the previous quarter, HTI’s net loss was $4.7 million, or 17 cents per share.

■ Eau Claire-based National Presto Industries earned $26.5 million, or $3.82 per share, last year, compared with $41.3 million, or $5.97 per share, in 2013. Net sales came to $412.4 million in 2014, 1.9 percent less than in the previous year.

■ SEATTLE — Supercomputer maker Cray, which houses much of its operations in Chippewa Falls, reported total revenue of $561.1 million in 2014, compared with $525.7 million in the previous year. Net income rose to $62.3 million from $32.2 million.

briefcase Chippewa Falls malls earn assistance CHIPPEWA FALLS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Projects at two Chippewa Falls malls are receiving financial assistance from the city in the form of tax increment financing districts.

The Chippewa Falls City Council created a new TIF district for the Chippewa Commons mall, 303 E. Prairie View Road. The Gordyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grocery chain purchased the 169,000-square-foot mall in December with plans to re-open a store in the wing formerly used by Mega Foods.

The council also voted to amend the existing TIF district near the Northridge Center, formerly named the Chippewa Mall, allowing for a new frontage road to go south of the shopping center and connect with Chippewa Crossings.

DISCOVER he t BENEFITS

JAMF Software earns EDC, DECI awards

JAMF Software was named as the 2014 recipient of the Paragon Economic Impact Award from the Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corp.

JAMF, founded in 2002, specializes in products for the Apple platform.

The Paragon Award is given annually to a local business that demonstrates excellence and a positive economic impact in the Eau Claire area. â&#x2013; Recipients of annual awards from Downtown Eau Claire Inc. were JAMF, development of the year; Pizza Plus, renovation of the year; Guppyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza, best new business; Houligans Steak and Seafood Pub, best in customer service-restaurant; The Local Store, best in customer service-retail; L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, best in customer service-service industry; Valleybrook Church, Downtown First; West Grand Business Improvement District, Helping Hand; Citizens Community Federal, DECI member of the year; Randy Lee of Images

by Lee Photography, volunteer of the year; and Northwestern Bank, Above and Beyond Award. New awards went to The Local Store/Volume One, Experience Award; and Sean Malone of Thomas Leigh Decorators, outstanding individual.

Area companies earn safety awards

The Wisconsin chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors announced its safety award winners for 2014.

B&B Electric of Eau Claire was one of 10 companies to earn a Gold Award of Honor. The recognition is reserved for companies that have proven their safety record for lost workday cases and shown that their total Occupational Safety and Health Administration recordables are 10 percent better than their industry average for the year.

Fifteen companies earned the No Lost Time Accident Award, which is given to those that did not have any recordable accidents that contributed to lost work time. They included two Durand companies â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Richardson Electric and Durand Builders Service.

The Platinum Award of Honor for Zero Recordable Award went to 23 companies, including Royal Construction of Eau Claire, Riverside Electric & Systems of Menomonie and Hartung Electric of Elmwood. The award is given to companies that did not have a recordable accident or lost time during the year.

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Area restaurateurs lauded by WRA

MILWAUKEE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Lynn McDonough, owner of Connellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurants, was named Restaurateur of the Year by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.

The recognition, according to a news release, â&#x20AC;&#x153;is given to an operator who demonstrates participation and service to the restaurant association,

occhealthsjcf@hshs.org

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year-ago period, only nine properties received filings in February.

success within their own restaurant and contributions to their community.”

McDonough is treasurer on the WRA Education Foundation board and has spoken out on issues impacting the restaurant industry at both the state and national levels. McDonough operates Connell’s Supper Club in Chippewa Falls and Connell’s Club 12 near Fall Creek.

■ Gerry Gadke, owner of The Orange Moose Bar & Grill in Black River Falls, was named Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year by the WRA West Wisconsin Chapter, which is comprised of Buffalo, Chippewa, Clark, Eau Claire and Jackson counties. Gadke is a UW-Stout graduate.

Confluence Project plans retooled

Developers announced that receiving $10 million less than the $25 million Confluence Project backers sought from state government means a proposed downtown Eau Claire community arts center would contain two theaters instead of three.

The 250-seat “black box” theater included in Confluence Project plans would be consolidated into the 450-seat medium-sized theater under the arts center’s new $40 million budget, Dan Clumpner of Commonweal Development said.

UW-Eau Claire, Commonweal and Market & Johnson have partnered to develop the project. The medium-sized Clumpner theater would replace Kjer Theatre, an on-campus building slated for future demolition. The Confluence arts center’s main, large theater still is planned to seat an audience of 1,200 to 1,500, replacing The State Theatre, 316 Eau Claire St.

Chippewa Falls firm wins state award

CHIPPEWA FALLS — Spectrum Industries of Chippewa Falls earned a 2014 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Grand Award.

Spectrum, one of five companies to earn a Grand Award, topped the competition among businesses of medium size. The company produces a range of industrial furniture made of wood, wood composite and steel.

Visit wimoty.com for more information about the annual awards program.

Home sales results mixed in region Home sales in Eau Claire and Dunn counties increased significantly in February compared with the year-ago period, according to the latest monthly report from the Wisconsin Realtors Association.

The counties reported a combined 94 sales, 42 percent more than in February of last year. The median sales price in Dunn County rose 21 percent to $121,000, while in Eau Claire County it increased 8.1 percent to $147,000. The market in Chippewa County did not fare as well, as sales in February slipped 51 percent to 25 and the median price declined 26.9 percent to $95,000.

At the statewide level, sales grew 1.8 percent and the median price rose 6.1 percent to $137,900.

■ Foreclosure filings declined or stayed the same in February compared with the year-ago period in 10 of 12 west-central Wisconsin counties, according to the latest monthly report from California-based housing data provider RealtyTrac. Filings — default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions — rose modestly in Chippewa County and dipped slightly in Eau Claire County. Although the number of Dunn County homes that received notices was more than four times higher than in the 24 |

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In other news ■ Jon Schmieder, CEO of the Phoenix-based Huddle Up Group, presented results of a study he conducted for Visit Eau Claire on ways to draw more visitors to local sports venues. Schmieder’s recommendations included upgrading some local athletic facilities and attracting more ‘grassroots’ sports tournaments.

■ The board of directors at Eau Claire-based Realityworks announced several changes to its executive leadership team. Timm Boettcher, president, was promoted to CEO and president, while Mary Stenvig, director of finance, was promoted to chief financial officer and vice president of finance. Scott Jameson, director of sales and marketing, was promoted to vice president of sales and marketing. Realityworks specializes in educational Boettcher technologies.

■ Eau Claire-based Menards purchased the 133,883-square-foot Oak Pointe Plaza, 4076 Commonwealth Ave., for $13.1 million. Illinois-based Mid-America Real Estate Corp. brokered the sale. The center is anchored by businesses such as TJ Maxx, DSW and Ashley Furniture. Best Buy and BooksA-Million were not part of the deal.

■ Three of four stock indexes tracked by the Chippewa Valley Center for Economic Research and Development at UW-Eau Claire realized gains in 2014. The CVCERD annually tracks the Eau Claire Area Stock Basket (stocks with local ties), Dogs of the Dow (high-yield stocks), Rydex S&P 500 and a fund tied to the price of gold. Students invest a hypothetical $100,000 in each investment area at the start of the year. The local index, or ECB, rose 6.4 percent, the Rydex S&P 500 increased 14.1 percent and Dogs of the Dow gained 10.7 percent. Gold declined 2.2 percent.

■ ALTOONA — Paul Woita, David Hopkins and Justin Zoromski of Woita & Associates, Business and Retirement Planning moved into a new local office location at 2411 N. Hillcrest Parkway, Suite 4. The business previously was located at 4410 Golf Terrace in Eau Claire.

■ Duluth, Minn.-based Citon Computer acquired two divisions from Invisible Inc. of Eau Claire. Invisible Inc.’s Corporate Technologies and Business Internet Services now operate under Citon, which also acquired NetTel Communications and NetGuard Security Solutions, former divisions of Invisible Inc. ■ Engineering and architecture firm Ayres Associates named Lisa Fleming manager of its Eau Claire municipal services group, which primarily serves the northwest quarter of Wisconsin. Fleming joined Ayres Associates in 2003 and has 33 years of experience in engineering and construction supervision.

■ MENOMONIE — Mark Willer joined WESTconsin Credit Union as its chief lending officer. Willer is responsible for the oversight of all lending services. He previously was market president for Merchants Bank in Eau Claire.

■ CHIPPEWA FALLS — After half a century of service to Northwestern Bank and his community, William Piotrowski was honored by the Wisconsin Bankers Association. Piotrowski has served as a teller with the bank for his entire banking career, beginning in January of 1965. He was one of 10 named to the association’s “50 Year Club.”

■ UW-Stout graduate Jill Soltau was named CEO of Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the nation’s largest fabric and craft retailer. The Ohio-based company was founded in 1943 and has approximately 850 stores in 49 states.

■ CHIPPEWA FALLS — River Country Co-op announced it was purchasing the assets of four Bridge Stop convenience stores. The deal includes three locations in Eau Claire — at 101 Ferry St., 2802 Third St. and

briefcase 807 W. Clairemont Ave. The fourth location is at 1300 Main St. in Bloomer.

■ Paul Johnson, an Eau Claire Regis graduate, joined Plank Enterprises in Eau Claire as director of marketing and corporate communications.

Plank is a holding company with four business units: LPI, LDPI, Pro-Cise and Badger Industrial.

■ General Communications added a third location at 3407 E. Hamilton Ave. The company is a two-way radio provider that also provides vehicle lighting and vinyl lettering and graphics. General Communications also has locations in Madison and Milwaukee.

■ Owner Dennis Heyde announced in February the closing of the Fanny Hill restaurant and dinner theater. Heyde had owned the dinner theater and restaurant at 3919 Crescent Ave. west of Eau Claire for 26 years.

■ ALTOONA — Staybridge Suites was scheduled to begin construction this spring in the northwest quadrant of the River Prairie development off U.S. 53 and is projected to have it completed the following spring, according to Tom Larson of Larson Companies.

■ The state Department of Workforce Development in March released local, seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates for February. Eau Claire County (4.5 percent), Dunn County (5.9 percent) and Chippewa County (6.3 percent) all had rates lower than in the year-ago period.

■ FedEx proposed a ground transport center more than four times larger than its current building on Eau Claire’s north side. Ruedebusch Development & Construction of Madison filed plans with the city for the new 163,714-square-foot building on Prospect Drive in the city’s Gateway Business Park.

■ MENOMONIE — Nelsen Land Surveying joined Auth Consulting & Associates, 406 Technology Drive E. Nelsen Land Surveying has been providing services to west-central Wisconsin clients for more than 20 years.

■ CHIPPEWA FALLS — Chippewa Sand Transport, 14477 Highway S, announced it would “potentially conduct” a mass layoff in a filing with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. The action is expected to result in the termination of 55 hourly employees for an undetermined time period. The layoffs would begin May 18.

■ Theresa O’Neel was promoted to community market manager with Associated Bank, where she is responsible for five retail branches in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. O’Neel previously served as senior bank manager with the Associated Bank branch in Marshfield.

■ BROWN DEER — Bank Mutual announced plans it was closing seven retail branch offices. The locations are in Eau Claire, Barron, Brillion, Cornell, Green Bay, Menomonie and Peshtigo. Eau Claire, Menomonie and Green Bay have multiple Bank Mutual locations. The Eau Claire location

closing is at Gordy’s County Market, 2717 Birch St., and the Menomonie branch closing is at 2409 Hils Court N.E. ■ CHIPPEWA FALLS — WESTconsin Credit Union opened a new location at 1680 E. Park Ave. The site is the credit union’s 14th office. It is the result of a merger with Valley Credit Union, which had been serving the local area since 1953.

■ Vanessa Klemish and Wendy Sue Johnson established the new law firm of Klemish & Johnson at 826 S. Hastings Way in Eau Claire. Johnson handles family law matters and Klemish practices in the areas of real estate, business and contracts, estate planning, and general civil litigation.

■ Eau Claire-based Documation, a commercial printer, promoted Martin Aalsma to president and chief operating officer. Aalsma came to Documation in March 2013 with 20 years of experience in the print industry. Documation also announced the opening of an office in the Milwaukee area.

■ MENOMONIE — Menomonie Market Food Co-op announced it would receive a $500,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. As part of the matching funds requirement of the grant, Menomonie city officials have committed to use the tax revenue the Menomonie Market project will create to make major improvements near the co-op site.

■ The St. Croix Economic Development Corp. named Magma Flooring of River Falls its Emerging Business of the Year, 45th Parallel Spirits of New Richmond its Small Business of the Year and Vital Plastics of Baldwin its Business of the Year.

■ MENOMONIE — Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is developing a new location at Exit 45 off Interstate 94. The main structure will include a travel stop and Hardee’s restaurant. A separate building will house a Love’s Truck Tire Care facility. The company hoped to open by late 2015 or early 2016.

■ BLACK RIVER FALLS — A Feb. 26 fire at Lunda Construction caused an estimated $2.7 million in damage, Black River Falls Fire Department officials said. The fire was determined to have started during a fuel transfer at the construction company.

■ Sixty-four-year-old John Torgerson, a prominent Eau Claire businessman and former deputy secretary of the state Department of Revenue, was sentenced in March to four years in prison for committing 47 securities-related crimes.

■ CHIPPEWA FALLS — Gordy’s Market reached an agreement to purchase four Burnstad’s Market grocery stores. The stores are located in Black River Falls, Richland Center, Spencer and Tomah. The change of ownership was slated to be finalized in late April.

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2. Phillip Dickinson is leader of UW-EC chapter.

6. BLS' fifth-fastest growing occupation from 2012-22.

9. Big name in farming equipment.

11. Farm, agricultural insurance firm.

12. May 4-8 SBA event.

13. Wisconsin utilities' resource-saving program.

14. Protection provider for inventors.

16. Rotary Club president in CF. 19. Banbury Place provider of office support.

21. New Nickolas Butler title.

24. "I f you really look closely, most __ __ took a long time," Steve Jobs.

26. UW-EC Continuing Education diploma.

27. Eau Claire-based bank.

28. IRA in long form.

29. Foundry in Dunn County seat.

30. 2014 Business of the Year in Menomonie.

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1. Dodgeville-based apparel company.

3. Jamie Reidy 2005 classic book.

4. John Manier chairs the board of directors.

5. "Counselors to America's Small Business."

7. State specialty is SBA 504 loans.

8. Chamber program celebrating students.

10. Cash available for day-to-day operations.

15. Recently expanded CF co-op.

17. Woodville business area.

18. Menomonie metal packaging provider.

20. Business chair at UW-Stout.

22. Local group promoting civic engagement.

23. Altoona Web designer.

25. New EC chamber chairperson.

April April 10: The program “Introduction to Emotional Intelligence” will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, 101 N. Farwell St. Marty Klukas of Student Transit, Eau Claire, is the presenter. The cost, which includes lunch, is $25 for chamber members and $45 for nonmembers. For more information call 715-834-1204 or visit eauclairechamber.org.

■ Also on April 10, the free Women’s Leadership Book Club will meet at 8 a.m. at The Goat Coffee House, 336 Water St. The topic will be the book “The Well Spoken Woman: Your Guide to Looking and Sounding Your Best” by Christine Jahnke. Karman Briggs of Western Dairyland will facilitate the discussion. Visit successfulbusiness.org for more information.

April 14: Dick Leinenkugel, president of Chippewa Falls-based Leinenkugel Brewing Co., will be featured in the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Success Series from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Mayo Clinic Health System, 1400 Bellinger St. The cost, which includes breakfast, is $25 for chamber members and $45 for nonmembers. For more information call 715-834-1204 or visit eauclairechamber.org. The deadline to register is April 10.

■ Also on April 14, Tech Tuesday will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, 400 Eau Claire St. The event provides free personal training on e-readers, iPads, laptops and tablets.

April 15: The sixth annual “Refresh Live Leadership Simulcast” will be from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Chippewa Valley Technical College, 620 W. Clairemont Ave. Scheduled speakers include Daymond John, CEO of FUBU and co-star on ABC’s “Shark Tank;” and Dan Aykroyd, actor and comedian. The cost is $25 for chamber members and $45 for nonmembers.

A group rate is available. For more information or to register, call 715-8341204 or visit eauclairechamber.org.

■ Also on April 15, the program “Microsoft Access: Nuts & Bolts” will

CALENDAR be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Room 103 at Chippewa Valley Technical College, 770 Scheidler Road, Chippewa Falls. The cost is $99. For more information or to register, email businessindustry@cvtc.edu or call 800547-2882.

■ Also on April 15, the Heartland Financial Associates program “Social Security: Strategize to Maximize” will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Menomonie High School, 1715 Fifth St. W. For more information call Kale Proksch at 715-232-1197 or visit thrivent.com/fr/jon.kroening.

April 16: The program “Adobe InDesign: Tips & Tricks” will be from 8 a.m. to noon in Room 27 at Chippewa Valley Technical College, 620 W. Clairemont Ave. The program “Using Microsoft Word & Adobe InDesign Together” will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. at the same location. The cost for each is $50. For more information or to register, email businessindustry@ cvtc.edu or call 800-547-2882.

■ Also on April 16, Merchants Bank will present the program “Trade Show Training.” Visit successfulbusiness.org as more details become available.

April 16-17: The program “Motivational Interviewing: Helping Patients and Clients Make Positive Behavior Changes” will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Clarion Hotel Campus Area, 2703 Craig Road.

Laura Saunders of the Department of Family Medicine at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health is the presenter. The cost is $300, which includes lunches. For more information or to register, call 715-836-3636 or 866-893-2423 or visit uwec.edu/ce.

■ Also on April 16-17, the program “Recruiting and Retaining Top Performers,” an elective in the Supervisory Management Certificate Program at UW-Eau Claire, will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at Citizens State Bank, 375 Stageline Road, Hudson. The presenter is Jeff Kortes, founder of Human Asset Management.

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April, May

CALENDAR from Page 27 The session may be taken by itself or as part of the certificate program.

For more information or to register, call 715-836-3636 or 866-893-2423 or visit uwec.edu/ce.

April 17: ALTOONA — The program “State of Altoona,” part of the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs & Issues series, will be from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at Eau Claire Golf & Country Club, 828 Clubview Lane. Mayor Jack Blackburn and Mike Golat, city administrator, are the presenters. The cost, which includes breakfast, is $20 for chamber members and $25 for nonmembers. Call 715-834-1204 or visit eauclairechamber.org for details.

April 21: The program “A Prioritized Approach to PCI DDS Compliance” will be from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, 101 N. Farwell St. The presenter is Bill Cunningham, owner of Capitalist Merchant. The cost is $20 for chamber members and $40 for nonmembers. For more information or to register, call 715-834-1204 or visit eauclairechamber.org.

April 22: The Chippewa Valley Volunteer Coordinators Association’s second annual Volunteer Expo will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hobbs Municipal Ice Center, 915 Menomonie St. The free event targets those exploring volunteering organizations and opportunities in the Chippewa Valley.

■ Also on April 22, the Heartland Financial Associates program “Retire Wisely” will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at at Menomonie High School, 1715 Fifth St. W. For more information call Angie Chandler at 715-231-2058 or visit thrivent.com/fr/jon.kroening.

April 28: The program “Learn the Best Kept Secrets of Developing Successful Relationships That Build Your Business” will be from noon to 1 p.m. at the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, 101 N. Farwell St. The presenter is Sheila Wall, an agent for Castle Insurance. The cost, which

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includes lunch, is $20 for chamber members and $40 for nonmembers.

Call 715-834-1204 or visit eauclairechamber.org for details.

■ Also on on April 28, The Barron County Economic Development Corp. is hosting the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association 2015 Education Day for the Northwest Wisconsin Region from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Barron County Government Center, 335 E. Monroe Ave., Barron. Contact David Armstrong at bcedc@co.barron.wi.us for more information.

April 29: The program “Working Mothers’ Luncheon: The Art of Life Balance Amid the Chaos of Motherhood,” will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Wild Ridge & Mill Run Golf Course, 3905 Kane Road. The keynote speaker is Linda Poirier, who owns Willow Creek Women’s Clinic. The cost is $25 for chamber members and $45 for nonmembers. For more information call 715-834-1204 or visit eauclairechamber.org.

■ Also on April 29, the free program “Google Apps Gone Mobile” will be from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Community Room at WESTconsin Credit Union, 1111 W. Clairemont Ave. April 30: The 12th annual Women’s Business Conference will be at The Plaza Hotel & Suites, 1202 W. Clairemont Ave. The event will feature exhibitors, networking opportunities and educational sessions. Visit womensbusinessconference.com for details.

■ Also on April 30, the program “Microsoft Excel: Intermediate” will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Room 103 at Chippewa Valley Technical College, 770 Scheidler Road, Chipppewa Falls. The cost is $99. For more information or to register, email businessindustry@cvtc.edu or call 800-5472882.

April 30-May 1: The program “Surviving Difficult Conversations,” an elective in the Supervisory Management Certificate Program at UW-Eau Claire, will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Metropolis Resort and Conference Center, 5150 Fairview Drive. The presenter is Jeffrey Russell, a founding partner of Russell Consulting. The session may be taken by itself or as part of the certificate program. For more information or to register, call 715-836-3636 or 866-893-2423 or visit uwec.edu/ce.

May 6: The program “Capacity Building and Collaboration for Nonprofits” will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Banbury Place, 800 Wisconsin St. The morning session is “Leading Capacity Building in Your Nonprofit”

by Frank Martinelli and the afternoon is “Collaboration: A Key to Success”

by Michael Hoadley. The cost is $149. Discount rates are available for those who attend multiple nonprofit workshops in the certificate program. For more information or to register, call 715-836-3636 or 866-893-2423 or visit uwec.edu/ce.

■ Also on May 6, the program “Microsoft Excel: Advanced Skills” will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Room 144B at Chippewa Valley Technical College, 620 W. Clairemont Ave. The cost is $99. For more information or to register, email businessindustry@cvtc.edu or call 800-547-2882.

May 7: The program “Increasing the Effectiveness of Nonprofit Strategic Planning” will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sleep Inn and Suites Conference Center, 5872 33rd Ave. The cost is $149. Discount rates are available for those who attend multiple nonprofit workshops in the certificate program. For more information or to register, call 715-836-3636 or 866-893-2423 or visit uwec.edu/ce.

May 8: The program “Nonprofit Volunteer and Board Member Management” will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sleep Inn and Suites Conference Center, 5872 33rd Ave. The cost is $149. Discount rates are available for those who attend multiple nonprofit workshops in the certificate program. For more information or to register, call 715-836-3636 or 866-893-2423 or visit uwec.edu/ce.

May 11: The program “Step Out of Your Comfort Zone — How to Network at Larger Events” will be from 3:45 to 5 p.m. at the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, 101 N. Farwell St. Phil Swiler, who has more than 20 years of applicable experience, will present the seminar. After the event, participants will be encouraged to attend the Business After Hours to practice techniques they learned. The cost, which includes BAH admission, is $20 for chamber members and $40 for nonmembers.

May, June

CALENDAR

For more information or to register, call 715-834-1204 or visit eauclairechamber.org.

May 12: Two half-day programs will be held at the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, 101 N. Farwell St. “Customer Service Eagles” will be from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and “Dealing with Difficult People” will be from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The presenter is Joe Constance, who has owned 11 businesses that have had up to 200 employees. The cost for each program is $69 for chamber members and $99 for nonmembers who register by May 1. The cost increases $10 after that date. For more information or to register, call 715-834-1204 or visit eauclairechamber.org.

■ Also on May 12, the program “Business Plan Basics” will be from 6 to 9 p.m. at Western Dairyland Community Action Agency, 418 Wisconsin St. The cost is $29 and scholarships are available for income-eligible individuals. Visit successfulbusiness.org or call 715-836-7511, ext. 1171, for more information.

May 13: The program “Selling 101.5” will be from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, 101 N. Farwell St. The presenter is Paul McDonald, CEO of McDonald Company Learning Systems. The cost is $25 for chamber members and $45 for nonmembers. Call 715-834-1204 or visit eauclairechamber.org for more information.

■ Also on May 13, Women of the Valley, a project of the Western Dairyland Women’s Business Center, will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the Avalon Hotel & Conference Center, 1009 W. Park Ave., Chippewa Falls. The networking group provides female entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals with access to professional development, volunteer and social activities. Membership dues vary and a nonmember fee is $5 per meeting. For more information email wotv@successfulbusiness.org.

May 15: The free Women’s Leadership Book Club will meet at 8 a.m. at The Goat Coffee House, 336 Water St. The topic will be the book

“Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die” by Chip Heath.

Karman Briggs of Western Dairyland will facilitate the discussion. Visit successfulbusiness.org for more information.

May 19: The program “Mission Driven: Linking Mission to Strategy” will be from 6 to 9 p.m. at Western Dairyland Community Action Agency, 418 Wisconsin St. The event is intended for existing small business owners. The cost is $29 and scholarships are available for income-eligible individuals. For more information or to register, visit successfulbusiness. org or call 715-836-7511, ext. 1171.

May 26: The free program “Getting Your Board on Board with Fundraising” will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Holiday Inn Eau Claire South, 4751 Owen Ayres Court. The presenter is Amanda White of Amanda White Consulting. Call 608-442-1922 or email corinn.ploessl@ wegnercpas.com for more information.

May 27: The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 Small Business of the Year Breakfast will be from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Wild Ridge & Mill Run Golf Course, 3905 Kane Road. The cost is $20. Call 715-8341204 or visit eauclairechamber.org for more information.

May 29: The Chippewa County Economic Development Corp.’s Annual Meeting and Business of the Year awards program will be from 6:30 to 9 a.m. at the Chippewa Falls National Guard Armory, 2811 E. Park Ave. The cost is $25. For more information call 715-723-7150, email info@chippewawi.com or visit chippewa-wi.com.

June 4: The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Women’s Golf Workshop” will be from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Wild Ridge & Mill Run Golf Course, 3905 Kane Road. The event will cover etiquette and rules and provide instruction. The cost is $35 for chamber members and $65 for nonmembers. For more information or to register, call 715-834-1204 or visit eauclairechamber.org.

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June

CALENDAR from Page 5

displays, business booths, door prizes, contests and other activities. Tickets are available at the door. n Also on June 12, the free Women’s Leadership Book Club will meet at 8 a.m. at The Goat Coffee House, 336 Water St. The topic will be the book “Yes Please” by Amy Poehler. Karman Briggs of Western Dairyland will facilitate the discussion. Visit successfulbusiness.org for more information.

June 14-19: An overnight code camp will be held at UW-Eau Claire for local students in the sixth through 12th grades. For more information visit evercode.org or www.uwec.edu/blugold beginnings/.

June 16: The program “Start a Small Business in 8 Steps” will be from 6 to 9 p.m. at Western Dairyland Community Action Agency, 418 Wisconsin St. The cost is $29 and scholarships are available for incomeeligible individuals. After the class, attendees may request free, one-on-one assistance from Western Dairyland’s business development specialists. For more information or to register, visit successfulbusiness.org or call 715-8367511, ext. 1171. n Also on June 16, the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 Business Hall of Fame Luncheon will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Wild Ridge & Mill Run Golf Course, 3905 Kane Road. Call 715-834-1204 or visit eauclairechamber.org for details.

June 23: The program “Getting Started with Freelancing Online” will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at Western Dairyland Community Action Agency, 418 Wisconsin St. The cost is $29. For more information call 715-836-7511 or visit westerndairyland.org.

June 30: The program “Word of Mouth Gone Viral — Marketing Your Business Online” will be from noon to 1 p.m. at the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, 101 N. Farwell St. Ann Pearson, CEO of Impressions Review Managing, is the presenter. The cost, which includes lunch, is $20 for chamber members and $40 for nonmembers. For more information or to register, call 715-834-1204 or visit eauclairechamber.org.

June 4-5: The program “Employee Evaluation and Performance Management,” an elective in the Supervisory Management Certificate Program at UW-Eau Claire, will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Metropolis Resort and Convention Center, 5150 Fairview Drive. The presenters are Scott Lester, professor of management at UW-Eau Claire, and Jean Davidson, a Twin Cities-based coach and consultant. The session may be taken by itself or as part of the certificate program. For more information or to register, call 715-836-3636 or 866-893-2423 or visit uwec. edu/ce.

June 10: Women of the Valley, a project of the Western Dairyland Women’s Business Center, will meet at 5:30 p.m. at Dicks Divot Driving Range, 2729 Mayer Road, for a golf clinic. The networking group provides female entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals with access to professional development, volunteer and social activities. Membership dues vary and a nonmember fee is $5 per meeting. For more information email wotv@successfulbusiness.org. n Also on June 10, the program “Building a Strong Culture for Mission Success” will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Banbury Place, 800 Wisconsin St. The cost is $149. Discount rates are available for those who attend multiple nonprofit workshops in the certificate program. For more information or to register, call 715-836-3636 or 866-893-2423 or visit uwec.edu/ce.

June 12: The date is the deadline for entries in Downtown Eau Claire Inc.’s annual Jump-Start Downtown Business Competition. The contest is for entrepreneurs interested in opening a business in downtown Eau Claire. For more information contact Elaine Coughlin at 715-839-4914 or visit downtowneauclaire.org for details. n Also on June 12, the 18th annual Breakfast in the Valley will be from 5 to 10:15 a.m. at the Eau Claire County Expo Center, 5530 Fairview Drive.

Breakfast will be provided at the event, which also features agriculture 1

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Annual Women's Business Conference slated

By Leader-Telegram staff

T

he 12th annual Women’s Business Conference, presented by the Western Dairyland Women’s Business Center, will be from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 30, at The Plaza Hotel & Suites, 1202 W. Clairemont Ave. The conference is expected to attract more than 500 business owners, aspiring business owners, entrepreneurs and exhibitors from five states. This year’s conference features 100 exhibitors and 20 educational sessions. One-on-one business counseling will be available throughout the day.

Sondra Duden, owner of Sondra Duden Coaching, will start the conference with a welcome address titled “Be Brave, Have Courage, Duden

Be You” at 8:15 a.m. The keynote address will be delivered by Sarah Smith, founder and president of Sarah’s Hope Jewelry. Started in 2004, Sarah’s Hope Jewelry provides microloans and small business training to entrepreneurial women in impoverished situations in the United States and worldwide.

Conference participants will attend four educational sessions throughout the day and may choose from 20 topics that range alphabetically from business insurSmith ance to work/life balance.

Registration, which includes lunch, is $69. Partial scholarships are available for students and income-eligible individuals. For more information or to register, visit womensbusiness conference.com or call 715-836-7511, ext. 1171.

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April 6, 2015 ♦

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business & industry services .....................................................................

Spring 2015 CVTC offers a variety of business training top topics to sharpen and improve your skills.

Microsoft Office and Adobe Software.

Our technology training courses include topics such as M

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Contact uss to get your registration started. If the topics listed don’t meet your schedule or content needs, we can design a custom session for you.

> cvtc.edu/Seminars > businessindustry@cvtc.edu > 1-800-547-2822, x4676

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Adobe InDesign Tips & Tricks Thursday, April 16, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Cost: $50

...................................................

Using Microsoft Word & Adobe InDesign Together Thursday, April 16, 1–5 p.m.

Cost: $50

....................................................

Microsoft Excel Intermediate

Thursday, April 30, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Cost: $99

...................................................

Microsoft Excel Advanced Skills Wednesday, May 6, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Cost: $99

...................................................

...................................................

Adobe Photoshop Basic

Microsoft Outlook Effective Email Management

Thursday, June 25, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Cost: $99

...................................................

Microsoft Excel Basic

Thursday, July 16, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Cost: $99

...................................................

Adobe InDesign Basic

Tuesday, July 28, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Cost: $99

...................................................

Wednesday, August 12, 9 a.m.-Noon Cost: $50

...................................................

Microsoft Outlook Time Management, Calendars and Tasks

Wednesday, August 12, 1-4 p.m.

Cost: $50

Excel Intermediate

Thursday, August 6, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Cost: $99

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