ANNUAL WDINNER
2019
5 pm 5:45 pm 6:30 pm 8 pm
Check- In, Networking & Cash Bar Dinner Program & Awards Networking & Cash Bar
PRESENTED BY:
OCTOBER 10, 2019
HILTON GARDEN INN, RIB MOUNTAIN
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THIS EVENING’S SPEAKER Barry Alvarez, legendary Badger football coach and Director of Athletics at the University of Wisconsin, will share a keynote presentation on ‘Achieving Perennial Success.’
THIS EVENING’S SPONSORS
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Port Washington • Green Bay • West Bend • Manitowoc • Mosinee • Appleton • Madison • Burlington Cedarburg • Marshfield • Franklin • Oshkosh • Stevens Point • Eau Claire • Chippewa Falls • Chetek Menomonie • New Richmond • Bloomer • River Falls • Augusta • Eagle River
PASSING OF THE GAVEL
T
his has been a remarkable year for the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce. It has been a year of growth and change focused on strengthening the community and our individual members.
First and foremost, the Chamber led the creation of an Economic Development Strategic Plan for our region. Two years ago, we began the discussion of an economic plan. We committed to an action-oriented plan that would not sit on a shelf. The strength and success of the plan lies in the Dr. Jeannie Worden ownership of the plan by business and industry, education, Northcentral local government and community-based organizations. Thank you to the many people that provided leadership and will Technical College continue to do so in the future. It has been my honor to serve as the Chair of the Chamber over the last year. I would like to thank the members of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors for their leadership, time and dedication. Thank you also to Dave Eckmann for his leadership. We are fortunate that Dave is the President/CEO of the Chamber as he is truly committed to the Chamber’s mission and is a true advocate for our community. I have enjoyed working with Dave sideby-side over the last year. Thank you also to the Chamber staff. Your roles have changed over the last few years. You have met the challenge and served our membership with the utmost professionalism. In addition, I would like to thank the organization’s large roster of volunteers who put in countless hours of time to help the Chamber and its membership succeed. I am looking forward to another great year for the Chamber and I am delighted to pass the gavel to Darrell Lentz. Under his leadership, the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce’s membership will continue to grow and thrive. Respectfully, Jeannie Worden, Ed.D., SPHR 2018-2019 Chairperson
RECEIVING THE GAVEL
M
y years serving on the Board of the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce have been a wonderful experience. I have gained a tremendous respect for and built a stronger relationship with our community. There are always changes and challenges in our environment, but the Board of Directors are united to ensure we continue on a path to progress and prosperity for our community.
Darrell Lentz Aspirus
Working together, as Dr. Jeannie Worden mentioned in her ‘Passing of the Gavel’ piece, is vital for success. The Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce is prepared to be a leader and catalyst to meet the demands of our business environment. I would like to thank Dave Eckmann for his leadership and progressive thinking. I would also like to thank the entire staff of the Chamber for their work, as well as recognize the commitment of the Chamber’s ambassadors and volunteers. These individuals dedicate so many hours to support our organization’s mission and vision. In closing I would also like to thank the Executive Committee of the Board for their support and specifically Dr. Jeannie Worden for her guidance and inspiration. It is a privilege to serve in this capacity and give back to a great community. Thank you, Respectfully, Darrell Lentz 2019-2020 Chairperson
Our name doesn’t say it. 100 years does.
Marshfield Clinic Health System is built on 100 years of providing specialty care to Wisconsin communities. We’re here because you deserve the best, close to home. Oncology, pediatrics, surgery, primary care — we have it right here in Wausau and Weston.
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AWARDS
HISTORY
AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Founded on March 11, 1912, a report in the next day’s newspaper stated, “With an earnestness and enthusiasm unprecedented in local movements of this kind, the citizens of Wausau to the number of five hundred or more met last night in the civilization of a society having for its object the promotion of the welfare of the city.”
Chamber volunteers serve our membership in a variety of ways. This award recognizes a special member of this volunteer group.
RUDER WARE INNOVATOR AWARD IN MEMORY OF G. LANE WARE Created to honor G. Lane Ware and to recognize outstanding individuals who personify the spirit of entrepreneurship, this award is given to an individual who demonstrates excellence in the way they conduct business. PAST RECIPIENTS: 2015 Brian Gunning 2016 Kevin Eichelberger 2017 Trena Loomans 2018 Ron and Loreen Glaman
In its early years, the Association, as it was then called, focused on appointing a committee to ‘look after entertainment of visitors and do what we can to secure other conventions for Wausau,’ developing plans to make Wausau a ‘greater buying center,’ forming a committee to make Wausau safer from fire, and developing new industrial prospects. The organization devoted many of its resources to retaining and attracting new businesses to the area. It also promoted tourism, raised money for improving the road between Wausau and Merrill, and encouraged better relations between the city and surrounding communities. In May 1916, the organization changed its name to the Chamber of Commerce, reflecting a broadening of interests. In 1999, the Wausau Chamber of Commerce became known as the Wausau/Marathon County Chamber of Commerce. In 2003, the Chamber adopted the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce name and in 2019 the name was changed to Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce. While the name may have changed, its mission and goal has remained a constant. Today, as in 1912, the Chamber works to make the whole region a better place by building business success.
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OFFICERS
2019-2020
Darrell Lentz Aspirus Chairperson
Michael Loy North Central Health Care
Nicole Williams QPS Employment Group
Dr. Jeannie Worden Northcentral Technical College
Chairperson Elect
Treasurer/Secretary
Immediate Past Chairperson
Dave Eckmann, Ed.D. Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce President/CEO
Mission
Robin Hegg Incredible Bank
Jack Hoogendyk Hope Life Center
Director at Large
Director at Large
The purpose of the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce is to strengthen our member businesses and enhance our community by building business success.
Vision
We are the region’s indispensable source for business connections, opportunities, and solutions.
Proudly supporting our communities We are committed to providing the electricity and natural gas that you depend on and believe in investing in the growth and well-being of the communities we serve.
wisconsinpublicservice.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2019-2020
Dawn Bernatz Church Mutual Insurance Company
Keri Anne Connaughty CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
JoAnn Draeger Nicolet National Bank
Thomas Felch J & D Tube Benders Inc
Ted Fox Ameriprise Financial - Cornerstone Advisors
Tom Frank Greenheck
Rebecca Frisch Marathon County Conservation, Planning & Zoning
Bill Gleason Honorary Member
Cory Heckendorf Wisconsin Kenworth
Keith Hilts Wausau School District
Al Lancaster WSAW/WZAW
Paul LaPree Miron Constructon Co Inc
Yengyee Lor Faithful Consulting LLC
Craig Timm Domtar Paper Co LLC
Cory Tomczyk IROW Shredding Recycling & Consulting
My incredible? A great roast on a cold afternoon. For Ivan Araya, nothing beats a great roast. And he should know. As the Co-Owner of Condor Coffee, he has his hands in everything – selecting ingredients, roasting, brewing, serving and shipping. At IncredibleBank , SM
we’re hands-on, too. Anything we can do to help. That’s what makes us your IncredibleBank . SM
Ivan Araya Condor Coffee Company Wausau, WI
A family-owned bank with deep community roots and nationwide reach.
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STAFF
Sharon Baumann Special Projects Manager
Dave Eckmann, Ed.D.
James Gabower
Renae Krings
President/CEO
Membership Economic Development Manager Development Specialist
Stacy Livernash
Brian Otten
Judy Pitek
Sue Wokatsch
Programs & Events Director
Marketing Manager
Member Relations Manager
Finance Director
Contact Us
Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce, 200 Washington Street, Suite 120 Wausau, WI 54403 | 715-845-6231 | WausauChamber.com
www.systechwi.com JANESVILLE • KENOSHA • MADISON • MERRILL • NEENAH • NEW BERLIN
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Our People ARE OUR POWER AUDIO VISUAL • DATA CENTER • LIFE SAFETY • NURSE CALL • ONSITE SERVICES • SECURITY SYSTEMS • STRUCTURED CABLING • WIFI/DAS
Our People ARE OUR POWER
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715-370-3400
PAST BOARD PRESIDENTS/CHAIRS 1912-1913 1914 1915-1919 1920-1922 1924 1925 1926-1929 1930-1932 1933-1934 1935-1936 1937-1938 1939-1940 1940-1941 1941-1942 1943-1944 1945-1946 1947-1948 1949-1950 1951-1952 1953-1954 1955-1956 1956-1957 1957-1958 1959-1960 1961-1963 1963-1965 1965-1966 1966-1967 1967-1968 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973-1974 1974-1975 1975-1976 1976-1977 1977-1978 1978-1979
M.C. Ewing Otto Mueller W.W. Albers Dr. Joseph Smith W.H. Thom R.E. Puchner H.L. Geisse John A. Kleinheinz Guy K. Gooding A.M. Van Douser Dr. J.H. Kolter Allen Abrams M.H. Montross William H. Burhop R.A. Tinker Paul T. Tobey W.G. Whyte M.H. Montross Hobart G. Beck W.A. Koch A.C. Keene William McCormick Ralph Larson S.F. Staples R.P. Tinkham George C. Landon Glenn Stevens Thomas P. Hudson Clyde Schlueter Robert Wylie Dr. A.W. Hoessel Ralph Mirman John W. Ullrich Harvey H. Scholfield Herb Terwilliger Robert V. Jones T.A. Duckworth Ronald Westgate William Arvold Gordon Baker, MD
1979-1980 1980-1981 1981-1982 1982-1983 1983-1984 1984-1985 1985-1986 1986-1987 1987-1988 1988-1989 1989-1990 1990-1991 1991-1992 1992-1993 1993-1994 1994-1995 1995-1996 1996-1997 1997-1998 1998-1999 1999-2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 2018-2019
John F. Prange John A. Slayton G. Lane Ware Ralph K. Schlitz Sr. John A. Schoeneman Dwight E. Davis William B. Sampe Laurin Jorstad Harry Colcord Konrad T. Tuchscherer Gene Davis Jr. Marv Lilley Don Grade Barbara Hunger Lon Roberts Gary Freels Jim Van Eyck David Eisenreich Ann Lucas Thomas Dunn Bob Wagman Dean Dietrich Scott Brainard Joanne Leonard Pat Puyleart Robert Reinertson Frederick Lundin Hugh Jones John Laehn Scott Pagenkopf Hooshang Zeyghami Randy Balk Sid Sczygelski Dr. Lori A. Weyers Marco Espinoza Melissa Kampmann Don Bohlin Cory Heckendorf Dr. Jeannie Worden
FOR NEARLY 100 YEARS WE’VE BEEN DOING OUR BEST TO HELP THE AREA GROW. Thank you to the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce for doing the same
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EST. 1920
Worldwide leader. Chamber supporter.
Thank you, Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce, for another great year! We began operations as a small local business 72 years ago in a sheet metal shop in Schofield. Today, we are the worldwide leader in manufacturing energy-efficient air movement, control and conditioning equipment that keeps building occupants comfortable, productive and safe. A long list of local suppliers and area business partners — all fellow Chamber members — have greatly contributed to our success. And that’s why we’re delighted to sponsor tonight’s annual dinner.
MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE AWARD
2016, 2012, 2004
WAUSAU REGION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 2016
FANS | ENERGY RECOVERY | DEDICATED OUTDOOR AIR SYSTEMS | MAKE-UP AIR | LAB EXHAUST | DAMPERS | LOUVERS
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