Winter 2023
The
Voice Belle City Square
Bustles with Residential and Commercial Activity
Rendering of Belle City Square’s The Inclusive Bean coffee shop, opening in 2024.
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The RAMAC Voice, WINTER 2023
Contents
The RAMAC Voice Winter 2023 President's Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 RAMAC Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Business Blenders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Welcome New RAMAC Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Anniversaries—Theatre Guild’s Instenes . . . . . . . . . 10 Ribbon Cuttings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Quarterly Puzzle (win a prize!) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 RAMAC Annual Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Belle City Square—Entrepreneurial Hub . . . . . . . 16 Fountain Hall—A Place to Celebrate . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 AMI Information Systems—Serving Tech Needs . . 22 RAMAC Training and Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Business Focus: S. Kortendick (Edward Jones) . . . . 26 Publisher: RAMAC, 300 Fifth Street, Racine, WI, 53403 at 262.634.1931 Editor: Maureen Bagg – mbagg@corporate-images.com or 262.633.7772 Advertising: Jamie Freeland – Jamie.Freeland@journaltimes.com or 262.210.3302 Design and Production: Melissa Boehler (Madison Media Partners), RAMAC and The Journal Times Photos: Non-credited photos are from Varitay Studios, advertisers, RAMAC and its members, and stock.
Contact Information
RAMAC Office: 262.634.1931 RAMAC Email: ramac@racinechamber.com Membership & Training Carmella Venturini: cventurini@racinechamber.com Leadership Racine & Young Professionals of Racine (YPR) Anna Clementi: aclementi@racinechamber.com Youth Apprenticeship Jeff Bergman: jbergman@racinechamber.com
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President's Message
Welcome to our Winter edition of the RAMAC Voice!
It’s been a busy autumn and early winter for us at RAMAC as we close the calendar year. I hope you were able to make it to the Public Policy Breakfast at the beginning of the month. This year we did a little something different and asked the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC) to bring us up to date on what they are up to in Madison and what’s going on statewide. There was an informative panel of businesspeople and Kurt Bauer, President/CEO of WMC, responded to questions from the attendees. Thanks to all who were there. This is one of our best attended breakfasts year in and year out, and this year was no exception. As you know, we are committed to supporting the Youth Apprenticeship program within the RUSD Academies of Racine. We’ve had a great response so far from the students and businesses this year, and the numbers have exceeded our expectations. Our goal for the 2023-24 school year is 225, and we are well on our way. If your business is interested in joining the program and supporting a YA student, give Jeff Bergmann a call at 262-497-0202. In other things related to RUSD, the business community continues to be frustrated with the school board and the time it is taking to fill the Superintendent position. The board demonstrates no urgency in filling the gaping hole. Leaving an interim Superintendent in charge of a troubled and challenging school district is yet another proof of this dysfunctional board. Because of their foot-dragging, Dan Thielen, Assistant Superintendent in Oak Creek and a strong candidate for the RUSD position, withdrew his name and accepted the Superintendent position of the Oak Creek/Franklin district starting January 1st. A permanent Superintendent is needed immediately in our district. Racine deserves a true leader, one who will be there day in and day out, which has been lacking for the past three years. It is untenable for the Racine School District to go through another school year without a permanent Superintendent. Leadership Racine kicked off its 26th year this past fall with 28 participants. One of the project teams within the LR cohort is coordinating a National Civics Bee competition in Racine County to enhance basic knowledge of how civics works in our communities. The challenge is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders first by submitting an essay. Essays are being collected now through January 8th. Finalists will be chosen and invited to a live event on April 27, 2024, at Case High School, where they could win cash prizes. Watch for more information or ask how you can get involved. We look forward to our business community supporting this initiative. See www. racinechamber.com/civics-bee. Both our Roundtables re-assembled this September and are enjoying some nice growth. Bob Gleason is the new facilitator for the HR Roundtable and is settling in nicely. The Small 4
Business Consortium is going strong with a good mix of old and new members. If you have questions about or are interested in joining either (or both) of these groups, please contact Carmella at 262-898-4279. We’ve also been collaborating with Higher Expectations, Racine County, and Carthage College on obtaining a training grant. If successful, it will enable training opportunities for individuals living in some of our most troubled census tracts in the City of Racine. A big thank you goes out to everyone who came together to help with this application. As I do every year, I want to take a minute to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I know I am grateful for each of our members and consider many of you good friends. Take time to appreciate your blessings and spend time with your family and friends so together we can all go into 2024 reinvigorated with a positive mindset. Make sure you check our email blasts to keep up on the latest opportunities to add value to your membership. Like and Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn and contact me if you have any questions or concerns at 262-634-1931 or mjmontemurro@racinechamber.com.
Sincerely, Matt J. Montemurro RAMAC President
RAMAC Board of Directors Mark Behrens - Johnson Financial Group Kristen Beglinger - SC Johnson Ryan Brath - Fischer USA Dana Christensen - Wiscon Products Mike Cretton - InSinkErator Scott Hess - CliftonLarsonAllen Jeff Knutson - Burlington Graphic Systems Crista Kruse - UW Parkside Steve Langer - Modine Manufacturing Jody Muniz - Family Strong Wellness Loretta Olson - Express Employment Professionals Donna Owens - Ascension All Saints Liz Powell - Racine Community Foundation Tom Schaefer - Pioneer Products Aaron Spitzner- Kowal Investment Group Frank Sterbin - Citizens Bank John Warren - Warren Eye Care Brian Weaver - CNH Industrial
The RAMAC Voice, WINTER 2023
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RACINE AREA MANUFACTURERS AND COMMERCE
ccbtechnology.com
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Business Blenders August’s Business Blender was an adventure at the Franksville Beer Garden! Due to rain the group was small, but those who showed up had a blast! We stayed under cover and still enjoyed networking. Thank you to our sponsors Tri City National Bank and Racine Dental Group.
October 25th RAMAC members met at Advanced Care Specialists. ACS’ mission is to redefine the patient experience by utilizing multiple providers to create an individualized, comprehensive, and innovative treatment plan for each patient. It was great to meet their staff and see their new location.
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The RAMAC Voice, WINTER 2023
RACINE AREA MANUFACTURERS AND COMMERCE
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New RAMAC Members
RAMAC is Racine’s Business Champion, serving as a voice representing the common interests of every organization in Racine—small and large, industrial and retail, for-profit and nonprofit. In support of its broad and diverse membership base, RAMAC offers a variety of pro-business and pro-community programs and initiatives. These programs aim to improve the business climate and vitality of the greater Racine area. Join us in welcoming these new RAMAC members:
Asset Business Solutions Jake Hoaglund – President (262) 989-9895 aeabresults.com Helps business owners sell their businesses while making them more profitable at the inception and helps buyers find businesses. Big City BBQ Jose Perez – Owner (262) 997-5330 Small BBQ pop up business serving the greater Wisconsin area. Color Direct Andy Lewis - Vice President (414) 384-1630 color-direct.com A digital printing manufacturing company serving the retail, point of purchase, and permanent interior decor industries in SE WI and greater Chicagoland area. Cordstrap USA, Inc. Janalyn Green – General Manager (262) 898-6670 cordstrap.com Manufacturing, sales, and distribution of polyester corded strapping and lashing systems enabling customers to ship products safe and damage free. Destroy Iron Fitness Charlie Davidson – Owner (224) 619-0297 destroyiron.net Premium training facility. DG Heating and Cooling David Golik – Owner/Operator (262) 496-3824 dgheatingandcooling.com Residential and commercial HVAC. 8
Home 2 Suites by Hilton Lori Jankowski – General Manager (262) 270-7770 hilton.com Extended stay hotel with 90 suites. Brand new hotel opened in September 2023. Interstate Health Systems Tim Campbell – Owner/ Operator (602) 208-4474 interstatehealth.com A health clinic inside the truck stop at Willkomms Blue Badger that provides many illness related services to over the road truck drivers. Manpower, Inc. Matt Triplett - Business Development Manager (414) 216-4237 manpower.com A leader in innovative workforce solutions connecting people to meaningful work across a wide range of skills and industries helping to power the success of clients around the world. Northwestern Mutual Joey Montez – Financial Rep (262) 755-0929 northwesternmutual.com /financial/advisor/jose-montez/planning Holistic financial planning. Only Real Estate Group Anthony Wooden – Broker (262) 833-5105 onlyrealestategroup.com Full service real estate brokerage.
The RAMAC Voice, WINTER 2023
Peterman Wealth Management of Raymond James Jus�n Peterman - CFP, CEPA (262) 417-9408 petermanwealthmanagement.com Full service financial and estate planning office including asset alloca�on, risk planning, trust services, tax planning, insurance, mortgage, and banking services. PT Solu�ons Guy Pen�malli - Sales Manager WI South (262) 634-3381 • pts-tools.com A full line industrial supplier specializing in abrasives, high speed, carbide cu�ng tools, hand and precision tools, MRO supplies, electric and air power tools, welding equipment and supplies. Renier Hotopp Law Offices, LLC Lindsey Renier – Owner (262) 977-7717 • TheRHLawOffice.com Law firm that helps families come out be�er on the other side of divorce, paternity and/or child custody issues. Restora�on 1 Waukegan/Kenosha Mindi Newman - Business Development Manager (847) 499-1492 • restora�on1.com Focused on serving the person right in front of us. Our work doesn't stop at fixing water, fire, or other situa�ons. Restore More Inc. Nick Davis - Business Development Representa�ve (262) 734-9399 • Restoremore.pro Restora�on and Mold Remedia�on.
RPI, Inc. Ma� Zeilhofer – Owner/Operator (262) 633-6500 rpiincorp.com Electronics contract manufacturer with automated PCB lines, fully ou�i�ed machine shop, cable, and wire harness assembly and tes�ng. Sonnenberg Schools Amelia Fahnrich – Execu�ve Director (262) 671-5018 sonnenbergschools.org Non-profit K-12 private school for students with disabili�es. Spearhead Kendra DiPiazza Strategic Account Director (773) 645-7977 • spearhead.io Success-based telecom and IT consul�ng firm ensuring your telecom and IT services work together so business con�nues, uninterrupted. Tait Media Design, LLC Barry Tait – Owner (262) 939-7670 • taitmedia.com Marke�ng and training agency specializing in visual media. The Wash Shop and Oil Changers Jen Bochnowski - Director of Retail Brands (262) 639-3330 • washshop.com Bringing back the good ole days of car care when shining up your ride was a weekend ritual rather than a mundane chore. Oil Changers provides 100% guaranteed professional service.
Helping Families Connect, Honor & Remember BURLINGTON | KENOSHA | RACINE
Please stop in for a tour of our newly expanded facilities with ADA-compliant restrooms & stairless entry, providing everyone with safe and easy access.
S O L U T I O N S @ H A L P I N S E RV I C E S . C O M
RACINE AREA MANUFACTURERS AND COMMERCE
262-632-4479 3014 Northwestern Ave. www.sturinofuneralhome.com
Proud member of RAMAC
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For The Love of Theatre Instenes Directs 100th Show
The Racine Theatre Guild was founded in 1938 by 26 people who pooled together $13 because of their love of theatre. One of the oldest and largest community theatres in Wisconsin, its success and longevity have flourished due to dedicated volunteers led by a small professional staff. At the helm of the organization is Douglas Instenes, the managing/artistic director. Hired under Norm McPhee in 1993 as the associate artistic director, Doug directed his first show, The Cemetery Club, that same year. When Norm retired in 2000, Doug took over and has been working to expand the community outreach, audience engagement, and volunteer opportunities while directing many mainstage performances throughout the years. In September 2023, the 100th show under Doug’s direction opened as RTG revisited The Cemetery Club once again.
Cemetery Club scene from 1993 and 2023.
“I remember the excitement I had walking into the RTG on my first day of work in 1993 and thinking how lucky I am to be here. After 30 years, I still feel that way. Every day I feel I have someplace important to go and something important to do. The only difference now is that I have moved up from a basement office/storeroom to an office with windows.” “What inspires me most is the people I have met and the commitment they have given to our theatre. Much like the hundreds of volunteers that make the RTG successful, I feel very honored to be a part of an organization whose sole purpose is to bring joy to others.” RAMAC member since 2015.
2023 Cemetery Club cast and crew.
Celebrating 100 years Racine Zoological Gardens North Shore Bank Village of Sturtevant Celebrating 75 years Vision Clinic - Dr. Savin & Associates Racine Friendship Clubhouse A. W. Oakes & Son, Inc. Michael's Signs, Inc.
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Celebrating 50 years BMO Harris Bank Dental Associates Marlo, Inc. Cast Tools, Inc. Celebrating 25 years Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership Bellevue University Pest Control Solutions Now Town Bank Chubbie's Pizza Two Men and a Truck The RAMAC Voice, WINTER 2023
Douglas Instenes, managing/artistic director.
Celebrating 10 years Reefpoint Brew House Kenosha Kingfish Baseball Club Ayra's Liquor & Cigar JDR Painting LLC Culinary Infusion HR Value Partners, LLC Zeigler Honda of Racine / Zeigler Auto Group
Congratulations! from all of us at
Ribbon Cuttings Celebrate with these RAMAC members who recently had ribbon cuttings!
October 3rd – Interstate Health
July 21st – Devon Self Storage
August 9th – Express Employment Professionals
August 30th – Destroy Iron Fitness
October 5th – CCB Technology
We’re your ONE SHOP BABY, STOP SHOP, ONE STOP SHOP!
October 3rd – Storage Sense
PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL, CARPENTRY, & HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SERVICES DAY, 24 HOURS A DAY 365 DAYS DAYS A YEAR!
262-277-4255 www.buildingwaters.com RACINE AREA MANUFACTURERS AND COMMERCE
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The RAMAC Voice Winter Edition
WORD SEARCH
Finish Our Puzzle to Win a Free Ad! There are 13 words in this word search puzzle, all related to the stories in this RAMAC Voice edition. Check out the stories. Then circle, underline or highlight all 13 words and mail or email your word search discoveries along with your name, company, email, and phone number to RAMAC 300 5th Street, Racine, WI, 53403 or ramac@racinechamber.com. Refer to the word bank beneath the puzzle for a little help! All correct solutions will be put into a drawing for an 1/8 page ad in the next edition of The RAMAC Voice (a $250 value)!
• Brand Your Business with a Desirable Audience Who Choose Local • Full Color Ads that are Changeable Each Month • Feature Your Business with a Spotlight Article • Meet Residents at our Social Events
LET US HELP YOU GROW YOUR BUSINESS IN 2024 Contact: Gary Smith
262-994-5390 | gary@strollwindpointmagazine.com StrollWindPointMagazine.com
Award Winning Local Artists Original And Custom Jewelry Since 2004
Word Bank 1. banquet 2. devon 3. fountain 4. advanced
5. gleason 6. brokerage 7. square
8. roth 9. wealth 10. weddings
11. microsoft 12. bean 13. cemetery
We Are Your Hospice
(262) 652-4400 | hospicealliance.org 12
The RAMAC Voice, WINTER 2023
Today’s Classrooms Tomorrow’s Workforce
My Choice. My Future.
Now beginning in RUSD middle schools, the Academies of Racine are a proven model to prepare students for college and careers. RUSD boasts 10 nationally certified academies the first in the state! Scan the QR code to find out how you can partner with us to build your future workforce and be a part of the success!
Contact Alex DeBaker at alex.debaker@rusd.org. RACINE AREA MANUFACTURERS AND COMMERCE
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WE NEED YOUR BUSINESS Partner with Racine County Meals on Wheels with our Corporate Volunteer Program.
Help homebound seniors receive over 105,000 meals annually! • Teams of 2-4 people deliver up to 15 meals during the lunch hour • Homebound seniors receive nutrition and a smile
Your benefits include • Community engagement and awareness • Greater team self-awareness • Employee satisfaction • Promotion of your business in your community
Our benefits include • 77% of seniors will feel more secure • 85% say the meals improve their overall health • 92% say the meals help them live independently • Source: Meals on Wheels America
Connect with Katy Hansen for more information. Presentations available! Katy.hansen@racinecounty.com 262-833-8778
Conveniently located two miles off I-94
• Weddings & Receptions • Anniversaries, Family/Class Reunions • Sit down, Family Style, Buffets with our In-House Caterer
• Conference Center & Trade Shows • Full Service Bar • Chocolate & Champagne Fountains • Ample Parking
3 Banquet Halls Accommodations for up to 600 Guests
8505 Durand Ave. | Sturtevant, WI | www.fountainbanquethall.com | theresa@fountainbanquethall.com | 262.884.4855 14
The RAMAC Voice, WINTER 2023
2023 Annual Dinner The theme of RAMAC’s annual membership dinner was economic development. The speaker Josh Jeffers, Founder and CEO of J. Jeffers & Co., shared his company’s many projects, focusing on one of interest to all—the Belle City Square complex on Northwestern Avenue. Over 250 guests reviewed RAMAC’s 2022 Annual Report, which shared the impact your chamber of commerce is making in the community. Guests were also treated to a take home item, a tape measure from the Youth Apprenticeship program. The gift highlighted the program’s connection with the trades and the work being done with RUSD students. Thank you to all the sponsors, especially Johnson Financial Group and SC Johnon, and to everyone who attended!
The 50/50 raffle raised money for the RAMAC Foundation to help facilitate educational initiatives.
ghts i l h g i H
Industries Represented: ● 22% finance ● 21% professional services (IT, construction, accounting, etc) ● 16% education ● 11% nonprofit ● 10% manufacturing ● 8% public administration, government officials ● 6% services (hospitality, retail, etc) ● 2.5% health care s
12 RACINE AREA MANUFACTURERS AND COMMERCE
nsor
Spo g n i z a Am
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Belle City Square Offers Entrepreneurial Hub for Racine In 2018, Milwaukee developer J. Jeffers & Co. purchased the former Horlick Malted Milk Company and began work on Belle City Square, a 16-acre site that is being artfully reimagined for residential and commercial use including retail, dining and entertainment.
BELLE CITY SQUARE BOTTLE HOUSE & ANNEX A vibrant entrepreneurial hub is on the horizon, set to redefine the way people can work in Racine. The way people work is constantly changing, and Racine’s newest development, Belle City Square, is preparing to meet the community’s needs by revolutionizing the workspace landscape. Opening their doors in mid-2024, Bottle House Maker Spaces & Creative Studios and the Annex Business Hub & Tech Commons, are two dynamic shared workspaces. Each has its unique identity, yet both are dedicated to providing flexible, affordable, and inspiring spaces for Racine's diverse business community. Occupying 55,000 sq ft within two adjacent buildings, these businesses will be an anchor for the master planned community.
workspaces that are home to 260 diverse small businesses. Arrand Real Estate CEO Andrew Bandy is excited to bring the concept to Racine and commented on what makes commercial space such as the Bottle House and Annex stand out, “I think this opportunity creates a different type of office than typical commercial space. It’s economically priced, clean, professional, but also comfortable. It is perfect for start-up businesses.” In his experience, people need a variety of options, and the flexibility of a maker space allows for many types of commerce to occur and for all to be satisfied.
Ensuring Businesses Can Successfully Seed and Grow
Lisa Wogan, economic development specialist at J. Jeffers & Co., has played a pivotal role in shaping the future “For Racine, it is a great Businesses vary in their space and technology of Belle City Square. Her enthusiasm for this opportunity because needs, and the Bottle House and Annex shared entrepreneurial hub is palpable, illustrated by workspaces are designed to provide spaces her instrumental role in securing New Market Racine has a great that appeal to emerging, scaling, and mature entrepreneurial spirt and Tax Credits to support community wealth enterprises across business sectors. From artists community, and what we building and the creation of commercial and start-ups to remote workers or established spaces within the development. “NMTCs are will be offering will be companies, and anything in between, the new not just financial instruments,” Wogan notes. new to the market. spaces will provide flexible, below-market lease “They’re a lifeline for communities in need.” rates. It is expected that the facilities will draw Designed to invest in low-income areas that – Andrew Bandy, CEO of people from within Racine and surrounding areas. have long suffered from a lack of investment, Arrand Real Estate the NMTC program aims to break the cycle of The two maker spaces will be an important aspect disinvestment by attracting creative capital and sustained technical of Belle City Square. Through a partnership with Arrand Real Estate, support that will drive residents’ economic mobility. an experienced shared workspace operator, Belle City will be home to this innovative hub. The work spaces, available for entrepreneurs, Wogan highlights the unique Belle City Square artists, and small businesses to rent by the hour, week, or month, are advantage that NMTCs offer designed to fit a variety of needs. Arrand Real Estate is experienced to both the Belle City Square By the Numbers with creating shared workspaces as the operator of Milwaukee’s project and the broader Racine Total Investment $210M+ Lincoln Warehouse and Hide House, both successful shared community. “These credits Total Buildings: 14 open doors by providing tangible and sustained Total Acres: 16 benefits for small to mid-sized Commercial Space: 200K sq ft businesses in Racine, reducing Total Residential Units: 435 their overhead costs while simultaneously providing a valuable connection to Southeast Wisconsin’s rich business development ecosystem.”
A Space that Fits Need
Example of retail space supported by shared workspaces. 16
Alongside affordable space, this multifaceted support system – including RAMAC, Racine County Economic Development Corp., Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp. and others – will be the cornerstone of sustainable business growth and job creation in Racine.
The RAMAC Voice, WINTER 2023
Rendering of outdoor courtyard scene. Lobby of the Arabella residential building.
What Else is Re(new)ed at Belle City?
Recently, both the Avenues North and West buildings opened, and people began to occupy these newly built market-rate apartments in summer 2023. The buildings feature interior and exterior entertaining spaces, a dog wash, gym, and indoor parking with electric car charging stations. These join two other residential buildings, the Arabella and the William, that opened in 2021 with 146 units. Ahead, 122 more multifamily units are still planned to be developed at the site. In total, 435 units, apartments and townhomes will exist on the campus. For commercial buildings beyond the highly anticipated shared workspaces, other commercial spaces will be activated as early as January 2024 with a total of 200,000 sq ft to be delivered by 2026. Expected at the beginning of next year is The Inclusive Bean, a coffee shop that will open in the former Depot building. The focus is to provide opportunities for neurodiverse individuals to gain employment and learn job skills. Led by Amelia and Max Fahnrich, the locally owned shop will serve Belle City’s own residents, but also people from throughout the community. For more information about Belle City Square, visit bellecitysquare.com.
Living room of Avenue North 2-bedroom apartment.
FROM SIMPLE TO COMPLEX We have the expertise & capability Stampings, Heat Treating, CNC Machining, Welding, Laser Welding, Spotwelding, Grinding, Vibro-mill Finishing, NDT, and Full Inspection Including SPC and More.
1927-2018 • 91 Years of Excellence
RAMAC member since 2021.
1600 Goold St. • PO Box 788 • Racine, WI 262-637-9301 • Fax: 262-637-1319 • www.styberg.com
to our donors!
With your help, we’re creating long-lasting, positive change for more than 76,000 individuals in Racine County.
LOCAL BUSINESSES WORKING TOGETHER ASK US HOW WE CAN HELP
Support our community:
UnitedWayRacine.org/Live-United
United Way of Racine County
RACINE AREA MANUFACTURERS AND COMMERCE
®
Kortendick Ace Hardware
3806 Douglas Avenue • Racine • (262) 639-4820 Brian@KortendickHardware.com
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Dreaming Up the Ideal Retirement Is Your Job. Helping You Get There Is Ours. To learn more about why Edward Jones makes sense for you, call or email me today. Scott Kortendick Financial Advisor
5401 Douglas Avenue edwardjones.com Suite C Member SIPC Racine, WI 53402 262-977-5529
Join us! Racine Founders Rotary Club meets at Racine Country Club on Fridays at 7 a.m. Contact Liz Rosenberg at lizrosenberg1999@gmail.com for membership information.
Scott.Kortendick@edwardjones.com
Amplify Your Team’s Potential With Skill Assessments
Ready to take your talent to the top? Contact
Katie Dembowski, Director of Account Management, at 262-564-2655 or dembowskik@gtc.edu. 18
The RAMAC Voice, WINTER 2023
Gateway’s Business and Workforce team is here to help you uncover the skills or training your team members need to excel. Through a skills- or training-based assessment, we’ll help you identify and close skill gaps to increase your profitability, efficiency and employee engagement. We offer customized assessments in a variety of areas, including electrical, welding, maintenance, leadership and supervision and much more.
OLS DAY OU O H T C S
FOR A
GES 5-10!
Bring your child to the Racine Family YMCA on days when school is out for swimming, crafts, schoolwork help and fun! WHERE: Image Management Family YMCA Branch 8501 Campus Drive, Mount Pleasant HOURS: 7:00am - 5:30pm RATES: Members $45 | General Public $60 Wisconsin Shares Accepted
SCAN THE QR CODE FOR DATES & REGISTRATION
QUESTIONS? Contact Hailey at hhaluska@ymcaracine.org www.ymcaracine.org RACINE AREA MANUFACTURERS AND COMMERCE
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Fountain Banquet Hall Truly A Place To Celebrate By Maureen Bagg, Corporate Images For sixteen years, Fountain Banquet Hall in Sturtevant has lived up to its motto, providing the “Finest Place to Gather & Celebrate.” The popular venue is the setting for weddings, bridal and baby showers, anniversaries, holiday events and business gatherings, including this year’s annual RAMAC dinner. History
Fountain Banquet Hall’s original owner Chuck Beth died in 2021, succumbing to ALS less than two years after diagnosis. Chuck’s youngest daughter Theresa Beth, who was just short of 30, stepped up as owner and for good reason—she had experience. She was just 15 in 2007 when her dad purchased the old Total Furniture building as a place to “gather and celebrate” with his existing business (Racine Amusement) colleagues. Theresa pitched in doing what she could to help realize her dad’s dream. “There wasn’t any carpet or plumbing or drywall, so I kept busy cleaning up after construction people, and unwrapping new tables and chairs.”
person. I’m focused on making sure every guest is happy while ensuring my staff is doing everything they need to do. I got that from my dad. Yes, this is my baby now since dad is not here.”
About Fountain Banquet Hall
Fountain Banquet Hall accommodates a variety of events, including weddings, receptions, craft shows, graduations, anniversaries, canzonettas, benefits, banquets, luncheons, holiday parties, corporate events, job fairs, Senior Olympics and training events, to name a few. The 15,000 sq ft North Hall accommodates up to 600 people. A soundproofed partition can divide the space into two rooms, the East and West Halls, each accommodating up to 300.
First dance—Bergmann wedding. A larger vision of what Fountain Banquet Hall could become started to form when one of Chuck’s work colleagues asked him if they could have their wedding there. They did and now Theresa assumed dishwasher and server responsibilities, often ending an evening at 2 or 3am, exhausted. But her dad wasn’t; he was considering the next project when he’d say, “Let’s get going on this!” Today Theresa misses those late nights with her dad but appreciates him for encouraging in her a commitment to hard work and attention to detail. While seeking a degree in social work at UW-Milwaukee, Theresa would go from working at the banquet hall to an internship to night classes and then home to do homework. Taking care of details and managing deadlines became second nature for her; just as it is today. “Some brides are very particular about details, so I’m glad I’m a detailed
A slightly smaller 10,000 square foot South Hall handles up to 350 people, has its own parking lot, and offers beautiful views of an outdoor ceremony gazebo, perfect for small ceremonies seating up to 100 people. Each hall has full-bar service along with sit-down, buffet-style or family-style dining options, all prepared in a state-of-the-art 2,000 square foot kitchen.
North Hall ready for Christmas celebration.
South Hall awaits banquet guests.
Bar area prepared for guests to arrive. 20
The RAMAC Voice, WINTER 2023
The importance of staff
Theresa inherited more than her father’s work ethic and attention to detail. His loyal staff is now her loyal staff. “Pretty much the same staff has been here all these years,” says Theresa. “We can just about do what’s needed with our eyes closed.” The cook Monika Howard and head server Manie Simpson are the main “go to people,” but a core staff of four ensures every event is planned and delivered to customer satisfaction. Theresa believes in staying close to customers, so it’s not uncommon to find her serving and even helping chef Monika out in the kitchen. Her respect for her chef is evident. “She works her butt off, but we all pitch in and make sure food is cooked and delivered just right. We have part Theresa Beth with busy event calendar. One of several dinner options. time bartenders and dishwashers and cleaning people, but mainly the thing that drives Theresa most is people, hearing them at the core of four hustles to make things just right for every event.” end of an event saying thank you and how great everything was. Continuing what dad started “Some even ask where they can get a food item that was served,” Chuck Beth loved being in business. He must have; he started says Theresa. “I love it that we keep in contact with a lot of the several—Racine Amusement, Fountain Banquet Hall and Junction same people, many of whom say something like, ‘I haven’t seen Pub & Grill. Theresa is active in all three, owner of Fountain you in a year. How are things going?’” Chuck would be proud Banquet Hall and Junction Pub & Grill while working with her that the daughter who is following in his footsteps can honestly sister Stacy, owner of Racine Amusement. Similar to her dad, the respond, “Everything is still going.” RAMAC member since 2017.
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RACINE AREA MANUFACTURERS AND COMMERCE
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AMI After 40 Years They’re Still All About Great Service AMI Information Systems is a family-owned technology company, providing software development and Managed IT services to both non- and for-profit organizations across the United States. AMI’s History
The 1980s spawned major changes in technology. IBM’s PC started a software revolution with many products designed for business. So, when T. John Greenwood, founding President of AMI Information Systems, decided to start his own technology company in 1983, his timing was right. He purchased the New Jersey based company Systems Generation, Inc. (known for the NorthStar minicomputer) and planted the roots of his new company in a white, two-story house in Mount Pleasant on Washington Jason Greenwood at work in Avenue near the current his Mount Pleasant office. Dunkin Donuts. Within two years, he had nine employees and 32 customers and a big problem. He needed more space. So, he relocated to First Bank Southeast in Franksville where AMI quickly expanded from a one room office to the entire second floor. By 1997, Greenwood’s flourishing business demanded even more space. He returned to his Mount Pleasant roots, purchased land on what is now Corporate Drive, and built AMI’s current office and headquarters at 8348 Corporate Drive. About this time Greenwood needed to replace an employee and invited his son Jason, who had just finished high school to join the business. “When I started working here,” recalls Jason, “it was dumb terminals and dot matrix printers. That all changed for us was when we began installing personal computers at Credit Unions around the country.”
In 2019, after working at AMI for over 25 years in every area of the business, Jason Greenwood was elected to the role of President of AMI. T. John remains the Chairman of the Board and is enjoying all that retirement has to offer.
Why AMI Grew
Today, colorful pins on a map in AMI’s conference room mark the locations of nearly 200 customers from Colorado, California, Idaho and Texas in the west to a concentration around southeast Wisconsin and Chicago to a heavily pinned area of companies in the East. This spread across the US was fed by AMI’s early focus on financial institutions. Since they are held to high standards of security requiring more complex programs, AMI found themselves in a very good spot to expand. The depth of experience gained in serving financial institutions empowered AMI to deliver top-tier Managed IT services, with a focus on security and sophistication, to industries like healthcare, insurance, legal, and manufacturing enterprises. All benefited from AMI’s technical expertise and a focus on top level service.
Focus on Service
“Our expertise is critical. Yet at the end of the day, it is still all about service,” says Jason. “In fact, I’m convinced our customer satisfaction today is so good because of long term staff members and our approach to service. There is no red tape to frustrate a customer. When a customer calls, our people address the need or redirect to the AMI expert who can.” It’s this level of dedicated service that AMI’s 35 employees provide from the tech company’s two locations— Mount Pleasant and Dayton, Ohio. And when it comes to disaster recovery, AMI’s culture of service really kicks in. Jason recalls 2005 and Hurricane Katrina’s deadly impact, including the financial institutions AMI supported. “That’s people’s money at the Credit Union, so when disaster struck, we had to work fast. We sent off physical machines to replace those lost in the flood. That way tapes taken home for safe keeping could be loaded to delivered machines. We had financial institutions up and running in 24 hours. Today, if disasters like that happen, getting things running again is a whole lot easier; it’s just an automatic 'failover' to access information at another one of our data center locations.”
AMI Information Systems in full fall color. 22
The RAMAC Voice, WINTER 2023
Culture of Service
support for and leadership of the Splash & Dash Polar Plunge. This effort alone has raised over $250,000.00 to support H.A.L.O, Hospitality Center, and Racine County Food Bank. When Jason says, “At the end of the day, it’s still all about service,” he and AMI mean it.
AMI’s customers include nonprofits like Veteran’s Outreach of Wisconsin, the Racine Family YMCA and RADD. These organizations use AMI’s Managed IT services to keep their operations running smoothly. Racine Family YMCA is a recent nonprofit success story. An outdated Microsoft exchange server needed to be replaced with a cloud-based solution. “They also liked our commitment to personalized service which we provide at a very reasonable cost,” says Jason.
RAMAC member since 2014.
Services AMI provides:
Racine Family YMCA’s Interim Director AMI takes pride in their 2019 Liz Enhoff thanks Joe Grauwels for AMI’s Milwaukee Business Journal Future friendly and responsive service. 50 Award and their annual presence on its 25 Largest Software Companies list. But they take even more pride in what they do to help the local community: supporting The United Way, donating funds to create the Greenwood Family Playground in Mt. Pleasant’s Campus Park, Playground donated by AMI’s founder, T. John Greenwood. and providing annual
➤ Managed IT Services ➤ Desktop Maintenance & Support ➤ Printer Support and Preventative Maintenance ➤ Network Equipment Maintenance ➤ Server Maintenance and Support ➤ Offsite Server Backup and Recovery ➤ Active Directory Authentication ➤ Microsoft 365 ➤ VPN Management ➤ SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) ➤ Network Penetration Testing ➤ Cloud Continuity PC Backups ➤ Threat Advice Cyber Security Education/Phishing Simulator
SUCCESS IS NOT FINAL; FAILURE IS NOT FATAL: IT IS THE COURAGE TO CONTINUE THAT COUNTS. - SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL
TELL YOUR STORY WITH AMAZING PHOTOS
410 MAIN STREET ● RACINE ● 262.498.4075 ● INFO@VARITAY.COM RACINE AREA MANUFACTURERS AND COMMERCE
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RAMAC Training and Programs A full event calendar plus information and registration can be found at racinechamber.com.
Business Blenders This monthly networking event brings members together to make new or enhance existing business connections in a social style setting. Hosted by a different RAMAC member each month. 2024 hosts are totally booked! January date TBD – Holiday Inn Express & Suites February 29, 2024 – Gateway Technical College March 7, 2024 – Lutheran High School No cost Business Over Breakfast Learn over breakfast from members, to members. Features a RAMAC member sharing information and expertise around a specific topic to help others solve a business, marketing or personnel issue. Held quarterly. Next session February 2, 2024 7:30am – 9:00am $30 members/$35 nonmembers
Forklift Training This course is an operator safety training for forklifts and self-propelled aerial lift platforms to instruct on the safe use of the equipment. The instruction includes classroom training and hands-on operation of equipment. 2nd Thursday of each month 8:30am – 11:30am $140 Frontline Leadership Certificate Series This 5-part training series is designed for those who provide direction and supervision or formal guidance without the power to hire, to fire, or to promote. Includes topics on motivation, communication, and resolving conflict. Spring series: March 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10 Each module $360 members/$365 nonmembers Full series $1,875 members/$2,425 nonmembers
You take care of business. We take care of you. Express Employment Professionals has a solution for your hiring needs. Whether you want temporary help now, or you’re looking for the perfect fit for a long-term position, Express has skilled associates ready for your office, professional, light industrial and skilled trades needs. ExpressPros.com/RacineWI
BUILDING BUSINESSES, BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS. 24
The RAMAC Voice, WINTER 2023
(262) 635-8580 1300 S. Green Bay Rd. Suite 200 Mt. Pleasant, WI 53406
Racine’s Family Jeweler since 1900
RACINE AREA MANUFACTURERS AND COMMERCE
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Business FOCUS
Company Overview: For over 100 years, Edward Jones has helped make sense of investing for clients by understanding what is important to them using an established process to help them reach their goals, like: 1. Preparing for and enjoying retirement, 2. Paying for education, 3. Preparing for the unexpected, 4. Saving on taxes. The firm has grown to more than 15,000 locations, 19,000+ Financial Advisors, employs 52,000+ across U.S and Canada, serves 8+ Million clients with $1.7+ Trillion in assets under care and has received numerous awards from a variety of industry experts in categories such as Client Satisfaction, Best Place to Work, Training, World’s Most Admired Companies, and more. What sets you apart/makes you unique? Prior to becoming a Financial Advisor, I was in Corporate Accounting and Finance as a CPA for 25+ years at both Fortune 500 and privately held companies in Southeast Wisconsin. So, I’m very comfortable working with individuals and small business owners along with their tax professionals to develop tax efficient strategies to maximize their wealth management. I can usually find one, often more, great new ideas that can make a substantial difference. The tax impact of money choices can often be much more significant than the return of funds or cost of account fees. Market volatility happens, and I really enjoy helping clients avoid costly emotional mistakes. There are good things to do when the market is up and good things to do when it is down. My goal is to have clients call to ask, “What great things can we do while the market is down?” What types of clients are you targeting in the coming year? I focus on generational wealth strategies for both individuals and small business owners. This might include setting up a business retirement plan like a 401k, SEP IRA, Simple IRA or implementing life insurance— possibly with long term care like options for owners or key employees—or consolidating orphaned 401k/403b/457 plans, IRA’s, brokerage funds. What is spurring/enabling your growth? Edward Jones’ great CD and Money Market rates have attracted new business over the past year. As interest rates prepare to possibly peak, we are now having new discussions on what to do next with those funds to ensure they are invested most suitably for each client. Most importantly though, my business has grown over the past year by simply taking the time to really understand each client's needs and goals, so we can together develop a suitable plan. I just love going to work every day, and it’s extremely rewarding when delighted clients share their positive experience with family and friends. What are your challenges? There are still many folks who could make use of a good Financial Advisor, and I’d enjoy the 26
Edward Jones office of Scott Kortendick 5401 Douglas Ave, Suite C, Racine www.edwardjones.com/scott-kortendick Industry: Financial Services Number of Employees: 2 in my office, 10 in Racine, 52,000 in US and Canada RAMAC Member Since: 2019 Contact Name: Scott Kortendick,Financial Advisor Best quote(s) or advice: Time IN the Market, Not TIMING the Market is the key. ”The Stock Market is designed to transfer money from the Active to the Patient.” ~Warren Buffett opportunity to help them. I always encourage people to make use of our Second Opinion Free Consultation to review their current situation and explore new ideas. We get second opinions for our healthcare needs or major house or car projects. Getting a second opinion about Personal or Business Finances is just as important. Why is Racine a good place to do business? For me it's all about connections. I'm from here, spent some time away at UW La Crosse and then a few years near Cincinnati and Milwaukee, traveling all over the country for work before returning over 30 years ago. I just love it here. Everything is nearby including Milwaukee and Chicago and there’s Lake Michigan access and friendly Midwest values. Our family business, Kortendick ACE Hardware, has enjoyed a rich history serving and building trust in the community for 72+ years. Trust is key in this business too. To maintain that same hard-earned trust, I approach every client’s unique circumstance as though it were my own. How does RAMAC membership help? Rejoining RAMAC was the first thing I did when I launched my Edward Jones practice. I already knew the value of RAMAC membership from when I was at other companies that had membership, and because my family’s hardware store is a founding member of RAMAC. Through the monthly Business Blenders, ribbon cuttings, Small Business Consortium and special events, RAMAC membership has exposed me to great organizations, people and causes I never would have encountered without being active in RAMAC. And I've had lots of FUN in the process. RUSD's "See Your Future" Career Expo.
The RAMAC Voice, WINTER 2023
Discover a Financial Partner Who Puts You First When you’re independent and employee-owned, you never have to weigh what’s good for your clients against what’s good for outside shareholders. Keeping our clients’ interests first – that’s how Baird has remained strong and stable for more than 100 years. Visit bairdwealth.com and discover the difference Baird can make for you.
Joel Beck Mike Bishop Joe Cronin Rob Jacobsen Rob N. Jacobsen Ben Klenke Chris Leberfing
Dan Morrisey Hollie Nelson Kevin Newton Joe O’Brien Pat Powell Tom Tenuta
One Main Street, Suite 300 Racine, WI 53403 262-631-5000 . 800-224-7379 racine.bairdwealth.com
©2023 Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated. Member SIPC. MC-1136662. RACINE AREA MANUFACTURERS AND COMMERCE
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300 FIFTH STREET RACINE, WI 53403
Racine's Business Champion
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TheRAMAC RAMACVoice, Voice,SUMMER WINTER 2023 The 2022
