In this issue . . .

MARCH 2016

Member News New Members YPWeek Small Business of the Year Finalists

April Showers Bring Small Business Week By Aaron Kapellusch, President/CEO

I

t’s a very busy time of year with the weather getting more spring-like, March Madness underway and Easter quickly approaching. With spring comes something big for the Chamber, Small Business Week. This week of programs and events is very much the ‘Super Bowl’ of our year here at the Chamber.

our sponsors: Becker Communications, The Business News, The Dirks Group, Midwest Communications, Riiser Energy, River Valley Bank, Sam’s Club and WAOW Newsline 9. Our work at the Chamber doesn’t stop at Small Business Week, however. We are always working for you, our members, throughout the year. And we can best work for you when you share your thoughts with us.

This year’s Small Business Week will feature the largest EXPO we’ve ever hosted, with over 250 booth spaces already filled! This doesn’t just make our event one of the largest in the state, we believe we are offering the biggest business show in Wisconsin this year. Small Business Week is a highlight on the Chamber’s calendar. Our great volunteers and staff start planning the next Small Business Week shortly after the Small Businesses of the Year Award recipients are honored at the Friday celebration. And Small Business Week wouldn’t be possible without

I’m a big proponent of gathering important and timely feedback from our members. We do this through important one-on one conversations with our members, surveys following our programs and events and sometimes through random calls from members who would like to let us know how something we’ve done has impacted their business. in a positive way. I am very accustomed to feedback. My toddler at home has now entered a stage where instead of telling us she is finished with her food, she throws it on the floor with a smile. I welcome your feedback, of any kind, anytime.

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Member News

Take a Few Minutes to Update Your Member Profile

Visit WausauChamber.com and log into the Member Information Center:

Click the Groups/Interests option below the Personal heading to manage the e-mail alerts you’ll receive from the Chamber:

To submit news, click the News icon, then the News Releases menu. Upload news by clicking the Add News Release button:

To manage information about your business or organization, click the Home icon and then the Company Information menu.

Update your address and website information, employee information, add your logo, links to social media accounts and a map to your listing or ONLINE: download a Membership Badge to place on your site:

View Chamber Member News

Ambassador Profile:

Chamber volunteers will be profiled each month in Chamber Connection. NAME: Joseph Muia BUSINESS NAME: Frontier

Communications

HOMETOWN: Brooklyn, New York BACKGROUND: I have been in the

telecommunication industry for the past 21 years. I began installing central office equipment in New York City, after five years in the field, I moved to Arizona for 16 years where I worked as an outside technician installing and repair residential and business phone service. For the last five years in Arizona, I worked in construction splicing, where I spliced large cables in both the underground and

Joseph Muia

If you have problems or questions regarding your account, e-mail Sharon Baumann or call 715-845-6231.

aerial environment. I moved to Wausau in 2014 when I decided to pursue the next phase of my career in the telecommunication field in management.

BEST RECENT READ: Roadshow, Landscapes and Drums by Neil Peart THE STORY ABOUT THE CHAMBER YOU REPEAT MOST OFTEN: My first Business

PM at Center for the Visual Arts during my first week in town. I used the GPS in my phone to find the location even though I was one street away. I wandered around at the PM not knowing anyone in the building, however most of those

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faces in the crowd have now become familiar to me. (I did win my first Chamber door prize at the event!)

DREAM JOB WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP: When

I was four I wanted to work at McDonald’s.

FAVORITE SNACK: Espresso. MOST FAMOUS PERSON THAT HAS VISITED YOUR BUSINESS: Ahman Green and

William Henderson of the Green Bay Packers for Frontier’s Packer Tailgate Event.

CHAMBER HIGHLIGHT:

Becoming a Chamber Ambassador and coming into contact with the local businesses and attending events that put me in contact with Wisconsin politicians.

Chamber News

Diplomat of the Month Dean Grube of Northwestern Mutual - Wausau has been named Diplomat of the Month for February 2016.

The Chamber Diplomats are volunteers who engage new and current members, reviewing Dean Grube benefits, highlighting programs and events and ensuring member needs are met. A Diplomat who has excelled in member contacts and volunteering their time will be profiled each month. If you would like a visit from a Diplomat or would like to learn more about the group, please contact Craig Bernstein, Membership Development Director at 715-848-5951.

Coming up on our calendar: March 23: Chamber 101: Basics March 24: Chamber ROI: Maximizing Your Membership April 7: Business PM: Quality Inn Hotel April 12: eCertify Training and Information

April 7: Leadership & Culture

May 19: Marketing Trends

April 14: HR & Employment Law

May 26: Authentic Sales Person

April 28: Technology

June 2: Lean

May 5: Finance

June 9: Workload Survival

May 12: Business Contingency & Workplace Safety

Business PM held at the Marathon County Historical Society The Marathon County Historical Society held a Business PM on Thursday, March 10. Beverages were provided by Central Beer and appetizers were served by City Grill An American Bistro. More photos from these events can be viewed on our Facebook page.

June 16: Innovation

April 18: Legislators’ Forum: Wisconsin Tax Climate April 18: 2015 Small Business of the Year Award Recipient Open Houses April 19: Small Business of the Year Awards April 21: 2016 Business EXPO April 21: EXPO Business PM April 22: Small Business of the Year Recognition Ceremony See page 17 for a schedule of events for YPWeek. For more information or to register for these programs and events, visit wausauchamber.com.

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Contact our team of experts for a

FREE REVIEW of your personal and small business tax returns We offer:

Tax Services Payroll Bookkeeping Michael Matuszak, manager

4105 Dixie Avenue, Wausau WI 54401 | 715-675-9000 www.kerberrose.com

Member News Small Business of the Year Award Finalists Named The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for the 2016 Small Businesses of the Year Awards. The Small Business of the Year Award recognizes business growth, community involvement, and innovative efforts in the Wausau Region and is a part of the 2016 Small Business Week. The recipients of this year’s awards will be named at the 2016 Small Business of the Year Awards event to be held from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 19 at Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center. The finalists are: Business-to-Business category: Business Service Center Inc, Creative Communication & Design Inc and the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin Inc Business-to-Consumer category: Accent Window Fashions LLC, Basil LLC, Buska Retirement Solutions Inc, Floorology, Grand Lodge Waterpark Resort, Griesbach Auto Service Inc, Indianhead Golf Course Inc, Lil’ Ole Winemaker Shoppe LLC, Nicole’s Boutique, Quality Foods IGA of

Rib Mountain and Red Eye Brewing Company LLC Charitable Non-Profit category: Center for the Visual Arts Inc, Junior Achievement of Wisconsin Inc Northcentral District, The Open Door of Marathon County Inc, Partnership for Progressive Agriculture Inc, Stable Hands Inc, Wausau Curling Club Inc and Wausau River District Inc The 2016 Small Business Week begins on Monday, April 18 with a Legislators’ Forum from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center. Also on Monday, April 18, the 2015 Small Business of the Year Award

recipients, Mutual of Wausau Insurance Corporation, The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co and the United Way of Marathon County, will host open houses from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The week of programs and events continues on Thursday, April 21, as thousands of business people will assemble at the Business EXPO 2016 at the Central Wisconsin Convention + Expo Center in Rothschild from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Business EXPO will feature a record number of exhibitors this year, with more than 250 booth spaces already reserved. The EXPO is immediately followed by the EXPO Business PM. The week will finish with a Small Business of the Year Recognition Ceremony which will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 22 at City Grill An American Bistro in Wausau. For more information on the 2016 Small Business of the Year Awards, including a list of past recipients, or to register for any Small Business Week events, visit the Chamber’s site.

Help us Welcome the Newest Chamber Members! Support the regional economy - do business with members. Apricot Lane BB Jacks Pizza & Sandwich Lounge Baumann Farms LLP Couri & Smyth Health for Life Medical Center Elegant Occasions LLC Family Planning Health Services Inc

Greenheck Field House Hurckman Mechanical Industries Inc Quality House & Carpet Cleaning U.S. Workstories Wooden Cup Coffee Company

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Member News A reception for regulated child care providers will be held in Wausau from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12 at The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co in Wausau during the Week of the Young Child. Businesses may donate money, gift certificates, and/or door prizes for this annual appreciation event organized by the North Central Association for the Education of Young Children. For more information, contact Deb Mohelnitzky of Aphabet Soup Child Care. The Central Wisconsin Society for Human Resource Management (CWSHRM) and Ruder Ware have partnered to present a conference which will bring central Wisconsin information on human resource management. The conference will be held at the Holiday Inn and Suites in Rothschild and is approved for six HRCI and SHRM credits. Visit the CWSHRM site for additional information. Registration deadline is March 31.

Rick Koch

EO Johnson Business Technologies announced the promotion of Rick Koch to service manager for the Wausau office. Prior to his new position he was field manager for the Wausau office. In his new position, Koch will lead approximately 36 employees. Koch has been with EO Johnson since 1989.

Ellis Construction received an award from the Wisconsin Ready Mixed Concrete Association. The award was for the concrete work at Heartland Farms’ new potato storage facility in Hancock. The facility boasts over 57,000 square feet of concrete. Ellis is currently building a new Farm Operations, Technology, and Training Center to support the continued growth of Heartland Farms.

Visit the City of Mosinee’s Recreational Center-Ice Rink on Saturday, April 9 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. for a bean bag Hsu Growing Supply will be the official sponsor of the tournament open to ages. For more information and to pre- operation of the new Kitchen Garden at the Monk Botanical register, visit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund’s page. Gardens. The Wausau-based supplier of compost, soils, mulch and growing supplies will provide planting medium, Clark Dietz, Inc announced the election of four new landscaping services, educational programs and equipment shareholders: Brian Powers, PE; Kevin Risch, PE; Christel for the Kitchen Garden which is scheduled to open this Simonis, CCST; and Diane Thoune, PE. The additions reflect summer and will feature locally grown herbs, vegetables and the firm’s commitment to recognizing the contributions of staff fruits. members who demonstrate a strong work ethic, a commitment to clients and a dedication to the betterment of the firm. Valuation experts Morgan Klemm, CPA, CVA, CGMA and Ryan Weber, CPA, CVA with MBE CPAs have Clark Dietz, Inc announced that Wes successfully completed the certification process with the Christmas, PE, has been elected to the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts to firm’s 2016 Board of Directors. “Wes earn the Certified Valuation Analyst credential. “The CVA is a highly competent and dedicated designation is an indication to the business, professional, individual, with a deep appreciation for and legal communities that recipients have met NACVA’s his profession and the livelihood of the rigorous standards of professionalism, expertise, objectivity, firm.” said John Boldt, CEO. “He joins a and integrity in the field of business valuation, financial very strong leadership group, who share consulting, and related consulting disciplines,” stated Wes Christmas a commitment to advancing our firm for Parnell Black, MBA, CPA, CVA, Chief Executive Officer the benefit of our clients, employees, and of NACVA. a sustainable future.” One year ago, Eastbay Sports Complex announced the West Bend Mutual Insurance Company recently announced availability of field sponsorships. By sponsoring a field, your that Compass Insurance Services, Inc in Kronenwetter has company will be recognized by tens of thousands of people been named one of the company’s Silver Circle Agencies. A every year. For more information about becoming a field Silver Circle Agency is given to top-producing independent sponsor, visit the Marathon County Parks Recreation & insurance agencies. Forestry’s site.

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Member News Daniel J. Evans, CFP, MBA has been promoted to wealth manager and vice president of financial planning for Midwest Professional Planners, Ltd, an SEC registered investment advisory firm filed in the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Texas and Florida. Dan joined the MPPL team in 2003. As wealth Daniel Evans manager, he’s responsible for managing client relationships, meeting with clients, implementing advice and supervising staff involved in client service delivery. As vice president of financial planning, Dan oversees the activities and staff of the financial planning department, such as registered paraplanners and advisory board members, and serves as the in-house expert on all financial planning matters.

would like to thank Mr. Bezucha for his eight years of leadership and his support in a successful transition as he moves into a well-deserved retirement. Disasters in the workplace are unavoidable, but adopting a proactive approach to such a disaster may ease the burden associated with this damage and keep your business from being a statistic. Northstar Cleaning & Restoration Inc is holding a free disaster preparedness planning seminar on April 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. Call to reserve your seat at 715-302-0529. James Kramer has been appointed financial representative by Northwestern Mutual in Wausau. He will be associated with The Debra Blevons Agency, LLC. As a financial representative, James will join a network of specialists offering a wide array of products: providing expert guidance and innovative solutions for a variety of financial needs and goals.

Benjamin P. Laska has been promoted to service advisor for Midwest Professional Planners, Ltd. His responsibilities as service advisor include providing technical support for the lead advisors and wealth managers, James Kramer including data gathering, scenario building, presentation development and Project manager Joshua Prentice, P.L.S. of REI Engineering, participation in client meetings. Inc’s Land Surveying Team was elected At-Large Director Benjamin Laska of the Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors at the Annual Manuel M. Pollak has been promoted to Surveyors’ Institute in January. securities trader for Midwest Professional Planners, Ltd. Pollak recently passed the Safety and regulatory compliance coordinator Cory Arndt Series 65 exam, a securities license required of REI Engineering, Inc’s Environmental Team was elected by most states for individuals acting as president of the Marathon County Council of Safety. investment advisor representatives. Having joined the MPPL team in 2013, Pollak’s The woodlands of northern Wisconsin are now home to the responsibilities as a securities trader rustic luxury of Rondele Ranch, a newly-opened corporate Manuel Pollak include buying and selling securities as retreat, wedding and special event destination near Harshaw. directed by the portfolio managers and Exquisite facilities are located on the wooded, 500-acre financial advisors, maintaining spreadsheets and investment property that boasts a trout stream and a man-made, private position summaries involving client investment objectives and risk lake. A trail system allows guests opportunities to get away tolerance, and generating client portfolio reports. from the pressures of hectic schedules and crowded venues. North Central Community Services Program board chairman, Jeff Zriny announced that the search has been placed on hold for the permanent successor for Gary Bezucha, CEO of North Central Health Care. Mr. Bezucha will retire effective May 6 and the NCCSP Board has approved the appointment of Michael Loy as the Interim CEO of North Central Health Care, effective February 15. The NCCSP Board of Directors

We Want to Hear from You! Please submit your stories and photos to Brian Otten at botten@wausauchamber.com. Use of the stories will be at the discretion of the WRCC and may be shortened to fit the appropriate platform. Only stories from members in good standing with the WRCC will be used. The information you submit may be used in the Chamber marketing materials, The Business News and on social media.

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Member News

Carla Dul

Carla Dul, vocal music director at Mosinee High School has been named the seventh director of the Wausau Lyric Choir. Dul’s responsibilities include all musical decisions for the Choir’s three annual concerts including selection of repertoire, soloists and additional accompanists, as well as preparing for and conducting weekly rehearsals.

Wausau River District has been nominated for another award for their Main Street revitalization work, this time at the national level. Independent We Stand, an online small business promotional website, has launched a contest for all Main Street communities in the United States. The contest aims to highlight the importance of Main Streets across America. Wausau River District, Inc., the Main Street America program that encompasses an approximate 34 block area on the east and west sides of the Wisconsin River, is proud to be among the nominees. “This is such an honor to be included in this contest and nominated for this award. Independent We Stand is a great small business resource and we love that they’re highlighting Main Street programs that work every day to promote small businesses and downtown development,” said executive director Elizabeth Field. The America’s Main Street award grand prize is $25,000. Votes for Wausau River District can be cast on the contest’s site.

Wausau Police Chief Jeff Hardel presents Dr. Jeff Lindell of the Wausau School District with The Educator Award. Wausau Mayoral candidates Jay Kronenwetter and Robert Mielke will face off at 7 p.m. on March 28 at the UW Center for Civic Engagement James F. Veninga Theater on the UWMarathon County campus. The debate will be moderated by Wisconsin Public Radio’s Glen Moberg and will include a panel of area journalists representing the Wausau Daily Herald, WAOW Newsline 9 and WSAW NewsChannel 7.

Students Pitch Business Plans at Investor Panel

The 2016 YEA! Investor Panel was held on Tuesday, State Superintendent Tony Evers named Grant, Hawthorn March 22, 2016. YEA DC Everest students presented Hills, G.D. Jones, and Thomas Jefferson Elementary schools their business plans to a panel of investors. as Title I Schools of Recognition for the 2015-2016 school year. School of Recognition awards highlight schools that have demonstrated success in educating students from low-income families. This is the seventh consecutive year for Thomas Jefferson and the fourth year for Hawthorn Hills.

The Wausau School District’s Director of Pupil Services, Dr. Jeff Lindell, received The Educator Award from the Wausau Police Department. This honor was presented at the first-ever awards banquet held on March 1. The Educator Awards is presented to an educator who best represents the Wausau School District and exemplifies excellence in their profession. This individual has made outstanding contributions to academic achievement and works hand-in-hand with the police department and other community organizations to keep our schools safe while educating youth and families.

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Laney Hughes, right, was named the Saunders Scholar at the 2016 YEA! Investor Panel held on Tuesday, March 22, 2016. Sara Guild, left, coordinated this year’s class.

Chamber News For more information on E3YP visit:

Judy Meyer answers a question from E3YP member Jen Gumz during a program examining leadership types on March 9 at North Central Health Care.

Registration is Now Open for Leadership Excellence Program

Ribbon cutting ceremonies were recently held at, State Farm - Ryan Hanson in ONLINE: Mosinee (top) on March 10 and View Recent at Apricot Lane in the Wausau Ribbon Center on March 17. To view more photos and video from ribbon cuttings, ‘like’ our Facebook page and follow our Twitter account.

Cuttings and Groundbreakings

Registration is open for the 2016-2017 Leadership Excellence program. Leadership Excellence is a Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce program led by Ray Mickevicius and includes 12 sessions totaling almost 100 hours. Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce Leadership Excellence improves LEADERSHIP the ability of those enrolled EXCELLENCE to manage change, create synergistic teams and uncover positive solutions. The program is an interactive leadership program designed to develop the enrollee’s professional and personal self, based on their strengths. Current Leadership Excellence participant Chris Kalk shared, “You won’t find a better program or forum to understand and implement changes in yourself to become a better leader.” The first in the series of monthly sessions will be held on Sept. 7, 2016. For more information on the program, contact Nick O’Brien at 715-848-5965 or nobrien@ wausauchamber.com or visit the Chamber’s site. Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce members can participate in Leadership Excellence at a reduced rate.

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MONDAY, APRIL 18 Legislators’ Forum

Hear an update on Wisconsin’s current tax climate and ask questions of the region’s elected state representatives about what is happening in state government.

Keynote Speaker:

Todd Berry, President Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance

Invited Panelists:

Sen. Jerry Petrowski - Senate District 29 Sen. Tom Tiffany - Senate District 12 Rep. Mary Czaja - Assembly District 35 Rep. Dave Heaton - Assembly District 85 Rep. Bob Kulb - Assembly District 69

2015 Small Business of the Year Award Recipient Open Houses Kick off Small Business Week with open houses at the 2015 Small Business of the Year Award recipients. Be sure to visit all three open houses!

Location:

Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center 1100 Imperial Ave | Rothschild

Cost:

$35 Online

Sponsors:

2016 Small Business of the Year Awards Join us as we recognize the finalists and announce the 2016 Small Business of the Year Award recipients in the business-to-business, business-to-consumer and charitable non-profit categories!

Time:

7:30 am – Check-In, Networking & Breakfast Buffet 8 am – 9 am – Program

L  ocation:

Time:

3 pm - 5 pm - Open Houses

Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center 1100 Imperial Ave | Rothschild

 015 Award Recipients & 2 Host Locations:

Cost:

Business-to-Business Award Recipient: Mutual of Wausau Insurance Corporation 3910 W Stewart Ave | Wausau

Time:

11 am – Check-In 11:15 am – Lunch Served 11:30 am – 1 pm – Program

TUESDAY, APRIL 19

Business-to-Consumer Award Recipient: The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co 2305 Sherman St | Wausau Charitable Non-Profit Award Recipient: United Way of Marathon County 705 S 24th Ave Ste 400B | Wausau

Cost:

Free - No registration required.

$35 Online Business-to-Business Award Finalists: Business Service Center Inc, Creative Communication & Design Inc & Ginseng Board of Wisconsin Inc Business-to-Consumer Award Finalists: Accent Window Fashions LLC, Basil LLC, Buska Retirement Solutions Inc, Floorology, Grand Lodge Waterpark Resort, Griesbach Auto Service Inc, Indianhead Golf Course Inc, Lil’ Ole Winemaker Shoppe LLC, Nicole’s Boutique, Quality Foods IGA of Rib Mountain & Red Eye Brewing Company LLC Charitable Non-Profit Award Finalists: Center for the Visual Arts Inc, Junior Achievement of Wisconsin Inc - Northcentral District, The Open Door of Marathon County Inc, Partnership for Progressive Agriculture Inc, Stable Hands Inc, Wausau Curling Club Inc & Wausau River District Inc

Sponsors:

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20

Business EXPO Set-Up

Time: 9 am - 7 pm (Expo Center closes at 7 pm)

Location:

Central Wisconsin Convention + Expo Center 10101 Market St | Rothschild

SPONSORS:

n

APRIL 18 — 22 THURSDAY, APRIL 21

Business EXPO 2016

A ‘can’t miss’ event! Take advantage of this opportunity to grow your business network by connecting with over 200 exhibitors and thousands of attendees. One of the largest business tradeshows north of Milwaukee! New this year: Visit the D.C. Everest Area School District’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) booths. Show your support of these emerging entrepreneurs!

EXPO Business PM

One of the largest networking events of the year! Develop new business relationships and strengthen existing ones while enjoying allyou-can-eat appetizers and beverages!

Time:

5 pm – Check-In* 5 pm – 7 pm (6 pm – Awards & Prize Drawings) *Skip the line! Check-in at the EXPO Information Center during the Business EXPO.

Location:

Central Wisconsin Convention + Expo Center 10101 Market St | Rothschild

Cost:

$15 Online | $20 Day of Event at Door

REGISTER ONLINE AT WAUSAUCHAMBER.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 22 Small Business of the Year Recognition Ceremony

Join in the celebration and wrap-up of Small Business Week! Hear each recipient’s story and how it led to their successes.

Speakers:

2016 Small Business of the Year Award Recipients

Time:

11 am – Check-In, Networking & Lunch Buffet 11:30 am – 1 pm – Program

Location:

City Grill An American Bistro 203 Jefferson St | Wausau

Cost:

$35 Online

Sponsors:

Sponsors: Time:

11 am – 5 pm –Show Open to Public

Location:

Central Wisconsin Convention + Expo Center 10101 Market St | Rothschild

Cost:

Your business card or $10/person No pre-registration required to attend show.

EXPO Bingo:

Participate in the popular EXPO Bingo for your chance to win great prizes which will be awarded at the EXPO Business PM. Instructions available at the EXPO Information Center the day of the event.

Best of Show Awards Presented by:

Food & Beverages Provided by:

2510 Restaurant Becca’s Cafe Bistro & Catering Buffalo Wild Wings Bull Falls Brewery LLC Central Beer Distributors Inc CJ’s Catering of Wausau Culligan ~ Sterling Water Inc Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Ed & Sharon’s Restaurant & Catering Fabiano Brothers - Wisconsin LLC Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co, The J Gumbo’s Lil’ Ole Winemaker Shoppe Mid-Wisconsin Beverage Inc Noodles & Company Olive Garden Panera Bread Thrive Foodery Trig’s

BROCHURE PRINTING PROVIDED BY:

Re/Max Excel Commercial Re/Max Excel’s commercial division offers specialized service and regional knowledge by local real estate professional, Tim Wimmer. Re/Max Excel provides a full range of commercial real estate services, including: • Acquisitions • Dispositions • Leasing • Investment Property Sales • Market Research • Consulting • Property Management Re/Max Excel services the commercial needs of tenants, landlords, sellers and buyers in the leasing, acquisition and disposition of all commercial real estate property types. Re/Max Excel focus is on maximizing value for our clients who include individual investors and users of commercial real estate as well as corporations and partnerships.

RE/MAX Excel Timothy R Wimmer CCIM (715) 298-2028 (Office) (715) 302-0552 (Mobile) tim@wimmerrealty.com

2015 x #4 Re/MaAgent ial Commerc isconsin te of W in the Sta

©2013 RE/MAX, LLC. All rights reserved. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Chamber News Thanks to Our Chamber Pak Volunteers!

Joyce, sitting in the center, has volunteered to help with our Chamber Pak for more than 20 years! Joyce is retiring from this duty after the March/ April 2016 edition of our Chamber Pak. Thanks to Joyce and to all of our volunteers for their help!

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Trello • Create boards to organize anything you are working on. • Use boards to collaborate with co-workers, family and friends • Assign tasks to yourself and co-workers • Customize workflows for different projects

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Cellcom does not endorse, publish, or support the troubleshooting of these applications. All application support is the responsibility of the developer. Developer contact information can be found within the application market or developer’s website(s). Application availability subject to change without notice. Not all applications are available on all devices. By downloading these applications you accept the terms stated by the developer(s). Please review the Information & Content section of Cellcom’s Terms and Conditions located at www.cellcom.com/AUP for additional information, restrictions, and disclaimers applicable to these applications. Trademarks and Tradenames are property of their respective owners. Standard data charges apply.

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Your TRUSTED Source for: • Copier and Process Solutions • Mailing Solutions • Furniture Providing the solutions to maximize your productivity and efficiency

Come Check Out our Booth at the 2016 Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce Business Expo Thursday, April 21, 2016 from 11am-5pm. In 1983, when Henry Lamovec started Office Enterprises, Inc., he had a philosophy that is still our guiding principle today, “Treating our customers as prospects throughout our relationship guarantees our dedication to them.” As we have grown to become the region’s most complete office solutions provider, we continue to live by that philosophy. We pride ourselves on being trained experts, offering our customers a complete source for all their office equipment and furniture needs.

Office Enterprises Incorporated 6002 Municipal Street Weston, WI 54476 Phone: (715) 359-1234 Email: info@theOEIgroup.com

www.theOEIgroup.com

RESPECT • HONESTY • DILIGENCE • INTEGRITY

Henry Lamovec - Founder

Bob Lamovec - President

YPWeek is a weeklong platform for discovery, adventure and meaningful conversations about the issues that matter among young professionals in Wisconsin.

UPCOMING VENTS:

Saturday, April 23: E3YP Energize - AM Workout Crawl Tuesday, April 26: E3YP YP Summit 2016 at Greenheck Field House Wednesday, April 27: E3YP Wausau DIY Sign Workshop Saturday, April 23: Bus to the Bubbler Awards at the Thursday, April 28: E3YP Elevating Your Future Appleton International Airport Forming Good Business Relationships Sunday, April 24: Walter Wick-Inspired Art Thursday, April 28: E3YP Family Fun at the Grand Activity at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum Lodge Waterpark Resort Monday, April 25: E3YP Strictly Social Friday, April 29: E3YP Energize - Open Fitness at Mentorship Lunch Greenheck Field House Monday, April 25: E3YP Driving CommYOUnity ImFriday, April 29: E3YP Speaker Crawl pact in downtown Wausau Saturday, April 30: Grill & Chill on the Hill at Sylvan Hill Park

For more information visit e3yp.org, wausauchamber.com and ypweek.com

Your TRUSTED Source for: • Digital Media Built on •technology, IT Services sustained with •trust, Voip this is cornerstone

Built on Technology, Sustained in Trust, This is Cornerstone. Come Check Out our Booth at the 2016 Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce Business Expo Thursday, April 21, 2016 from 11am-5pm. With Cornerstone, you gain a needed partner with expertise in an ever-changing field. We can be a complement to your existing IT staff or be your dedicated provider. A strong and trusting relationship is always beneficial in business. It is our goal to establish and keep that relationship. Cornerstone was built with such a vision in mind and will continue to present that vision to our clients years into the future. Contact us to find out what we can do for you.

Cornerstone Information Technology, LLC 501 S 24th Avenue Wausau, WI 54401 Phone: (715) 203-1332 Email: info@cornerstonetechs.com

www.cornerstonetechs.com

Seth Sierk Founder & President

Bob Lamovec Partner

Chamber News Greenheck Wins Back-to-Back Bubbler Awards Wisconsin’s Young Professionals Select the Best Places to Work

NEWaukee announced the winners of the 2016 Bubbler Awards: Wisconsin’s Best Places to Work for Young Professionals on Friday, March 11, 2016. These winners will be recognized during the kick-off event of YPWeek Wisconsin on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Platinum Flight Center of the Appleton International Airport. Greenheck, a manufacturing business in the Wausau region, was named a winner for the second year in a row. The 2015 Bubbler Awards were held in Wausau. Aaron Kapellusch, Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce president/CEO, stated, “It’s very important from a state and regional perspective to recognize businesses that support young professionals and their energy, excitement and great ideas. These are the future leaders of the business community and we are thrilled that one of our locally-owned manufacturers, Greenheck, has been once again selected as part of this short list of recipients.” The following companies were nominated by their employees, evaluated and selected by a group of young professional leaders from across the state of Wisconsin as the Top 10 Best Places to Work for Young Professionals. • Penrod (Milwaukee) • LinkEHR (Madison) • Greenheck (Wausau) • Mortenson Construction (Brookfield) • Wisnet (Fond du Lac) • West Corporation (Appleton) • GE Healthcare (Pewaukee) • Society Insurance (Fond du Lac) • Spredfast (Madison) Red Arrow Labs, a Dohmen company (Milwaukee) YPWeek founded in 2012, is a weeklong platform of discovery, adventure and meaningful conversations about the issues that matter to young professionals. The 2016 lineup features 150+ events occurring in 15 cities across the state: Door County, Fond du Lac, Fox Cities, Green Bay, Kenosha, La Crosse, Madison, Marshfield, Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Racine, Sheboygan, Stevens

Point, Wausau and Wisconsin Rapids. “With more than 34% of our nation’s workforce now being younger than 35 years old, it is of significant importance that businesses throughout the Wausau region and across the state offer a workplace culture that appeals to the professional wants and needs of this younger workforce. In being honored for a second straight year, Greenheck has once again proven itself as one of Wisconsin’s best companies, and one that other businesses can use as a resource in learning how to adapt their culture the way a two-time Bubbler Award recipient knows how,” said Nick O’Brien, young professionals and special projects manager at the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce and the leader of the Chamber’s E3YP initiative. The Bubbler Awards is an example of how YPWeek Wisconsin highlights the young professional voice. Additionally, the nomination and selection process establish a framework for existing and emerging young professionals throughout the state to collaborate and brand Wisconsin as a workplace destination for Millennials. The nomination evaluation centered on what Millennials are looking for in today’s workplace including: competitive salary and benefits, opportunity for advancement and employee and community engagement. “The Bubbler Awards shine a light on the companies who have made great strides to accommodate the interests and needs of a new and shifting workforce,” said Angela Damiani, CEO of NEWaukee. “A lot of attention is paid to the picture of Millennials as discontent or disinterested in traditional forms of employment. We are eager to showcase the reality of how many Wisconsin-based companies are allowing young professionals to call this state home.” The Bubbler Awards Ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 23, as the launch of the fifth annual YPWeek at the Platinum Flight Center of the Appleton International Airport in Appleton. For more information on E3YP and YPWeek events in the Wausau region, visit the initiative’s site or contact Nick O’Brien at 715-848-5965 or nobrien@wausauchamber.com.

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Member Profile: hibu Members are profiled monthly in Chamber Connection. This month, we profile Katarina Youngell of hibu:

constantly dirty hands, that’s for sure!

growing up, and always wanted to join the cast of The Second City in Chicago.

BEST RECENT READ: For HOMETOWN: Green Bay having a degree in English Literature, Katarina Youngell BACKGROUND: I graduated I really don’t read from the University of Wisconsinas often as I’d like, but the best book Platteville with a degree in English I have ever read, and continually Literature. Since then, I’ve worked re-read is East of Eden by John a handful of different jobs. Most recently, I was the Assistant Manager Steinbeck. at Valvoline Instant Oil Change DREAM JOB WHILE GROWING UP: I was a huge theater geek near Madison. I don’t miss having NAME: Katarina Youngell

FAVORITE SNACK: I absolutely love celery and peanut butter, and will never say no to anything chocolate. HIDDEN TALENT: I can juggle, and actually own a set of juggling clubs. If you have a member you’d like to see profiled in this monthly feature, contact Brian Otten at botten@ wausauchamber.com.

Economic Outlook Program Focused on Business Expansion The 2016 Economic Outlook program was held on Tuesday, February 23 at the Jefferson Street Inn. The program was moderated by Dr. Taggert J. Brooks, Chair of the Department of Economics at UW-La Crosse. Dr. Brooks reviewed results from the annual regional economic outlook survey and provided comparisons to state and national trends. Dr. Brooks was joined by a panel of experts including Tricia Braun of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., Pat Heier of Peoples State Bank, Paul LaPree of Miron Construction and Jim Porter of Apogee Enterprises. Browse pages from the summary prepared by Dr. Brooks on wausauchamber.com.

Dressing For Success The young ladies in the DC Everest YEA! program received some great advice on March 16 about how to present themselves as professional business women while still reflecting their own unique personalities during a visit to Nicole’s Boutique. Owner, Nicole Chickering, offered this help with an eye on this month’s Investor Panel held on Tuesday, March 22 at the Westwood Conference Center in Wausau.

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Make Great Connections at the

Chamber Golf Outing Monday, June 27, 2016

Wausau Country Club, 11 am shotgun start, 18 holes SPONSORED BY:

ALSO JOIN US FOR THE

Chamber Women’s COMING IN JULY!

Golf Outing

Make more connections! 10 am shotgun start, 9 holes

Visit wausauchamber.com for details and registration or call 715-848-5953

Chamber News

Take your mobile emails up a notch Sending texts and emails from your phone is a part of life and business, but maintaining your professionalism doesn’t have to go out the window when you’re on the go. Consider these quick tips from Cellcom to master mobile messaging: • Edit your email signature: The default signature in the stock mail apps typically only indicates the message has been sent from a mobile device, but doesn’t include your name or contact information. You can edit the signature in your settings menu. For iOS go to Settings>Mail, Contacts, Calendar and scroll down to signature. For Android, it can vary depending on your device, but if you go into your mail app, tap the menu button and then settings, you’ll see your signature – simply tap to edit. • Create keyboard shortcuts: if you find yourself typing the same

Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

Create Confidence Create Change Create Community

word (like your company name) or phrase on your mobile device, create shortcuts to save you time when crafting your messages. On iOS, visit Settings>General>Keyboard>Shortcuts and tap on the plus sign in the top right corner. You’ll see blanks for phrase and shortcuts. In the phrase, type the longer phrase you want to show up and in the shortcut bar type the letter combination you want to expand to your phrase. For Android, visit Settings>Language & Keyboard>Input>Personal dictionary. You’ll again tap the plus sign to add your

“I enrolled with the hope of building on my leadership strengths.”

REBECCA J. FRISCH Marathon County Conservation, Planning, and Zoning Department “The program provides an opportunity to meet a diversity of leaders from the area, which in turn inspires all of us to take up a cause, work together and become true community leaders.”

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phrase and shortcut options. • Avoid emojis and emoticons: Ever wonder why the letter “J” shows up in emails on your phone? Or why there’s a box with a question mark inside on your desktop email client? Emojis that are commonplace in texting and messaging don’t always translate to desktop email. Conversely, emoticons, created using combinations of symbols on your desktop computer, don’t show up as intended on mobile devices. With emails being crossplatform in many business situations, it’s best to leave these icons out if you don’t know where the recipient will be reading the message. In our fast-paced world, emails sent from your mobile devices does not have to mean sacrificing time or quality. Follow Cellcom on LinkedIn for more tips and updates on mobile technology.

Credible, C onfident and E ffective Leadership No matter where you are in your own personal leadership journey, there’s something valuable and practical for you to learn in Leadership Excellence. For more information on the program or to register, visit wausauchamber.com and click the Leadership Excellence link or call 715-845-6231.