Year in Review: 2014-2015

ear YinR eview 2014-2015

Mission

The purpose of the Wausau Region Chamber 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.

Contact Us

Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce 200 Washington Street, Suite 120 Wausau, WI 54403 715-845-6231 www.wausauchamber.com

OUR LEADERSHIP

T

he word is out. Now everyone knows what those of us who love to live and work here know – we live in one of America’s Best Communities.

Traditionally this column is a space for the outgoing Chair of the Board to list all of the efforts the Chamber has worked on in the last year. I want to focus on only one – the selection of Wausau as one of 50 communities in the quarter final round of the America’s Best Communities competition.

Marco Espinoza Greenheck Fan 2014-2015 Chairperson

The Chamber led this effort, but was not alone in creating the opportunity or putting together the winning presentation. The competition is co-sponsored by an active Chamber member, Frontier Communications, and a diverse team of community members from the Chamber, local government, education and the private sector.

Putting together an application like this is no easy task. Let’s be honest, it is downright daunting. For every application that made it into the mail, there were surely dozens that died along the wayside from apathy, in-fighting, someone dropping the ball, or through simply not having the right team in the room. Succeeding in this contest takes patience, dedication, leadership and a true commitment to your community – so kudos to everyone who was involved.

What’s more, the focus of the Chamber’s application is seeking funding for a wayfinding project that will not only benefit Wausau proper, but will also highlight places and businesses of interest in all our surrounding Chamber member communities. Staying relevant is the biggest challenge facing chambers today, and our efforts in getting recognized in the America’s Best Communities competition are a perfect example of a chamber doing just that.

I am looking forward to another great year under the leadership of Melissa Kampmann and the entire Board of Directors.

Also, I would like to give a special thanks to our dedicated and enthusiastic Chamber staff. It is in large part through their efforts that our Chamber continues to be an indispensable resource for you through the educational, advocacy and networking opportunities they create and support.

Respectfully, Marco A. Espinoza

OUR LEADERSHIP

A

s our Chamber program calendar comes to a close, it reminds me that it’s important to take a moment to reflect on some of the things that we have accomplished together as a Chamber over the past year. We have listened very closely to your feedback and understand that workforce development issues remain the primary challenge for most businesses in our region.

The Chamber is, and will continue to be, deeply entrenched in the battle for the attraction and retention of talent to our region. The recently formed Workforce Hub initiative has assembled many stakeholders, including educators and business sector representatives, to identify key issues and develop a solid plan. We continue to move forward with our eyes set on an end result of bringing tangible solutions to the table.

Aaron Kapellusch Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce President/CEO

A sense of community is vitally important to providing the quality of life that many of us enjoy here in the Wausau Region, and is equally important to those we hope to attract to this area. This spring, again with the collaboration of many community partners, the Chamber led an effort to promote Wausau as America’s Best Community. This new competition, sponsored by Frontier Communications, Dish Network, The Weather Channel and CoBank, honored Wausau as a quarterfinalist with a $50,000 award. This was paired with a required $15,000 offered by two generous local foundations (the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin and the Judd S. Alexander Foundation).

A grand prize of $3 million is still up for grabs as we move into the next stage of our project.

While the money for a noteworthy project is wonderful, it’s the notoriety of being named America’s Best Community which is going to be invaluable in attracting people to our region.

Our E3YP group has grown into a powerful force for connecting young professionals to our region. Through executing a mix of networking and educational programs, and hosting a very successful statewide YPWeek kick-off event in the spring, E3YP has quickly progressed and is among the Chamber’s most important initiatives.

As always, we have worked to bring you interesting and relevant educational opportunities through our programming. Most of the topics are a direct result of feedback received from members. We held more than 110 educational and networking events during the year and attendance at these events continues to increase.

While 2015 was a great year, look for even more exciting, innovative and noteworthy initiatives from your Chamber in 2016.

Respectfully, Aaron Kapellusch

MEMBER TESTIMONIALS

“T

he Chamber gave us new and innovative ways for our young students to connect with the Wausau business community. We want our students to understand that innovation, risk-taking, perseverance and integrity can pay big dividends not just to an individual, but to entire communities.

Entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in our methodology and curriculum — as is our belief that learning by doing yields better results.

Anne Stephenson Acton Academy

Participating in the Business EXPO provided our students with a unique opportunity to interface with business people at an adult level and to hone those entrepreneurial skills. They can’t wait to participate again!”

“A

s a member of the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce for 20 years, I have seen amazing changes over the years. The Chamber has evolved to address the needs of it’s member businesses to better serve them.

I have made invaluable business connections that I can completely attribute to my membership and, more importantly, my INVOLVEMENT in the Chamber. The more I have become involved, the more opportunities have Paul LaPree presented themselves. Many of the business contacts I have made have Miron Construction resulted in long lasting friendships as well.

The Chamber is like business - the more you put in, the more you get out.”

“W

hen we opened a new business, joining the Chamber was a must.

The Chamber opened some doors for us into the Wausau business community and it helped spread our name around.

I think all of the networking and E3YP events offer a great way for any business to expand their connections and reach new customers.

Andreea Buzdugan Customize It

I find the Wausau Chamber to be a very strong group that does a lot for its members. The Business Advocacy events alert members to changes that are occurring.”

MEMBER BENEFITS Advocacy Commitment to the Region Credibility Economic Development Education Exclusivity Information & Marketing Networking Recognition & Service Workforce Development

2 015 S M A L L B U SIN E SS OF T HE YE AR

OFFICERS

2014-2015

Marco Espinoza Greenheck Fan

Melissa Kampmann Ruder Ware

Chairperson

Chairperson Elect

Dr. Lori Weyers Northcentral Technical College

Aaron Kapellusch Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce

Immediate Past Chairperson

3910 W. Stewart Ave., Wausau

715-842-0686

MutualofWausau.com

President/CEO

Brad Karger Marathon County Government

Gretchen Kray, Wausau Coated Products Inc

Director at Large

Director at Large

Don Bohlin Wisconsin Public Service Corp Treasurer/Secretary

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2014-2015

Cory Heckendorf Wisconsin Kenworth

Steve Immel MCDEVCO Inc; Ruder Ware

Karen Katz Peter Knitt EO Johnson Business Peoples State Bank Technologies

Alfred Nakhla Associated Bank

Dr. Eric Penniman Marshfield Clinic

Craig Reineking Graebel Moving & Storage Inc

Craig Timm Domtar Paper Co LLC

Dr. Kathleen Williams Wausau School District

Thomas Felch J & D Tube Benders Inc

Kim Fischer Central Beer Distributors Inc

Paul Jones LandArt Companies Inc

Tammy Pestka Ansay & Associates

Bill Gleason Rocket Industrial Inc

Sidney Sczygelski Aspirus Wausau Hospital

PROGRAM & EVENT HIGHLIGHTS AMERICA’S BEST COMMUNITIES CONTEST Wausau is one of only 50 communities in the nation to advance to the quarterfinals of the “America’s Best Communities” contest. The final winner will receive $3 million for a community revitalization project.

As one of two Wisconsin communities to advance out of almost 140 applications, Wausau received $50,000 and a corporate sponsor partner to help further develop the strategic community and economic revitalization plans outlined in the initial application. These plans were developed by a group of individuals representing tourism, business, government, education and young professionals.

ANNUAL MEETING Over 240 members attended the 20132014 Annual Meeting on September 22.

2 3 0 5 S h e r m a n St. Wausau, WI 54401

RIBBON CUTTINGS 39 members took advantage of a ribbon cutting or ground breaking opportunity this year. These members celebrated one of the following successes at their business: broke ground or opened a new facility, moved to a new location, remodeled an existing facility, welcomed new ownership or underwent a significant re-branding or name change.

BUSINESS EXPO & EXPO BUSINESS PM There were over 230 booths set up for more than 2,500 attendees to learn more about products and services in the area. Plus, over 500 people attended the EXPO Business PM which took place after the EXPO and included recognition of the Best of Show EXPO booth winners.

BUSINESS PM EVENTS

GOLF OUTINGS

These monthly events provided an opportunity for members to showcase their business in an informal ‘open house’ atmosphere. An average of 136 people attended each event which offered a great opportunity for business-tobusiness networking.

The Chamber Golf Outing was held on a rainy June 22 at the Wausau Country Club. Despite a wet start, 130 golfers participated.

CANDIDATE TRAINING PROGRAM This new six-session program provided attendees with information related to running for local elected office. The spring 2015 program provided the tools to be successful in running for school board, county board, city council and village/ town board. Almost 50 percent of the graduates have already found positions within local government entities.

The Chamber Women’s Golf Outing took place on July 8 at Greenwood HIlls County Club. The event with 70 participants had a luau theme this year.

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE 34 graduates in our Leadership Excellence program were recognized on May 13.

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK In addition to the Business EXPO and the EXPO Business PM, this week included the Small Business of the Year Awards, Legislators’ Forum, company tours and a Small Business of the Year Recognition Ceremony.

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 148 women attended the first annual conference to discover their highest level of personal and professional development.

This conference was held on March 10 at the Westwood Conference Center.

YPWEEK Wausau kicked off the first-ever statewide week devoted to young professionals by hosting the Bubbler Awards on April 11. Winners from around Wisconsin gathered to be recognized at this unique event.

AWARDS AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

JOHN L. COOK MEMORIAL AWARD

The Ambassador of the Year Award is presented to an Ambassador who contributes countless hours of service to the Chamber at ribbon cuttings, ground breakings, programs and events. The 2014 Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to Jamie Potter.

John L. Cook was deeply interested in improving the quality of life in the Wausau region. He was also a member of the first ‘Leadership Wausau/Marathon County’ class hosted by the Chamber. To honor his memory and spirit, graduates of that class developed the John L. Cook Memorial Award which was awarded to Jim O’Connell at the 2014 Annual Meeting.

ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARD® PROGRAM

The ATHENA Leadership Award® Program recognizes members of the community who have played an important role in business, our community and the advancement of women. The ATHENA Award is presented to a person who has demonstrated professional excellence, taken part in community service, and actively assisted women in attaining leadership skills that have helped them advance professionally.

The 2014 ATHENA Award was presented to Tee Daly of Basil Restaurant.

ATHENA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AWARD The ATHENA Young Professional Award is presented to a woman who demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in her business or profession, provides valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in her community and clearly serves as a role model for young women both personally and professionally.

The 2014 ATHENA Young Professional Award was presented to Sara Valiska of Wausau Coated Products Inc.

BUSINESS EXPO BEST OF SHOW AWARDS The Best of Show recipients for Business EXPO 2015 were named at the EXPO Business PM on April 23.

The winning members included Ed & Sharon’s Restaurant & Catering (Eats or Treats), Yach’s Body & Custom Inc. (Attention Strategy), R-Store (Best Theme) and Office Enterprises Inc. (Overall).

NEW MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD This award is given to a new member based on program attendance, sponsorships, donations, and overall commitment to the Chamber. Wisconsin Kenworth was recognized with the award at the 2014 Annual Meeting.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARDS The Small Business of the Year Award recognizes business growth, community involvement, and innovative efforts in the Wausau Region. This award is also an opportunity to review the best business practices of successful entrepreneurs and set a benchmark of excellence for the years to come.

Mutual of Wausau Insurance Corporation (Business-toBusiness), The Great Dane Pub and Brewing Company (Business-to-Consumer), and United Way of Marathon County Inc (Charitable Non-Profit) were named as the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 Small Businesses of the Year recipients. The awards have been given annually since 1981 and were presented during the Chamber’s Small Business Week in April.

STAFF

Sharon Baumann

Craig Bernstein

Member Relations Manager

Membership Government Affairs President/CEO Development Director & Workforce Development Director

Operations Director

Nick O’Brien

Brian Otten

Judy Pitek

Vicki Resech

Jenny Ritchay

Young Professionals & Special Projects Manager

Marketing Manager

Programs Manager

Administrative Specialist

Events Manager

Jim Warsaw Sue Wokatsch Economic Finance Director Development Director

Sara Guild

Aaron Kapellusch

Stacy Livernash

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SPECIAL THANKS THANK YOU to all of our member businesses.

We want to acknowledge all of the volunteers who assist with committees, programs, and events.

We also want to thank all of our member businesses who sponsored our programs and events. They provided critical support for ongoing services and for the expansion of Chamber programs in the last year.

NEW MEMBERS AAA Insurance - Schofield

Dunkin Donuts Rib Mountain

Midwestern Risk Advisors LLC

Dunkin Donuts - Weston

Milwaukee Burger Company

Acton Academy Wausau Inc

EXIT Greater Realty

Mountain View Estates

Advanced Pain Management - Wausau

From the Forest

Nicolet Plastics Inc

Alphabet Soup Child Care ll Inc

Gander Mountain - Wausau Ghidorzi

Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats

Global Motivational Force International

Office Max - Wausau Omni Glass & Paint Inc

Graebel Companies Inc

On-Q Collision Center Inc

Violet Loft

The Graphic Edge

The Palms Supper Club Inc

Waste Management

Basil

Greystone Construction Company

Panda Express - Wausau

Waukesha Bearings

Bellevue University

Harter’s Fox Valley Disposal

Pat’s Body Shop

Wausau 525 Group LLC

BioLife Plasma Services Wausau

Hmong American Center Inc

PC Portal

Wausau Animal Hospital

Pizza Ranch - Weston

Wausau Flying Service Inc

Premier Sports Academy LLC

Wausau Pickers

Realign Redesign Life Coaching LLC

Wauskin Medical Aesthetics

Accent Business Solutions Weston

American Heart Association The Anglers Choice Guide Service Avis / Budget

Blount International Woods Equipment Co Brooklyn Taste LLC Chase Outdoors LLC

Inlanta Mortgage The Badger State Team J Gumbo’s - Wausau Krautkramer & Block LLC Law Firm

Subway - Stewart Ave Sutton Transport Inc TEC Tender Reflections Assisted Living and Memory Care Thomas Industrial Supply Truck Equipment Inc The UPS Store #6619

Wausau World Market

Rodan + Fields

Wausome Foods

Rotary Club of Wausau

Wells Fargo Advisors

LS Industries LLC

Scholfield Group LLC

Customize It

Luoma Design Solutions

SEEK Careers & Staffing

Wisconsin Financial Wealth Management

CWE Inc

Marco Inc

SH Enterprises Inc

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Wausau

Medical College of Wisconsin - Central Wisconsin

Stainbrook Agency Meemic Insurance

Community Soul Yoga Cornerstone Business Services

Lakeland Overhead Door Corporation

Wisconsin Title Inc Schofield Zingers & Flingers Inc

FINANCIALS REVENUES: Affiliate Contracts 28%

Other 3%

Programs 31%

Affiliate Contracts: Contracts with other organizations for the Chamber to provide administrative services.

Programs: Educational, Golf Outing, Small Business Week

Membership Investment 38%

EXPENSES: Other 2%

Occupancy 11% Programs 17% Operations: Salaries and fringes, office expenses Occupancy: Rent, property tax, utilities

Operations 70%

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WE LOVE A GOOD LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP.

10 YEARS IS A GREAT START. Building trust isn’t something that happens in a day, especially when it comes to your health care. That’s why each and every person at Ministry Saint Clare’s works hard to get to know you from day one. That’s what makes our specialized care that much more effective – we tailor everything to you. And now that we’ve been here for 10 years, we’ve gotten to know you a whole lot better. So here’s to 10 great years, and here’s to a whole lot more.

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