fox cities business magazine

making marketing a business priority

strategize the organization, first, to maximize marketing efforts

smart business savings - employee health

JUN

E 2

012

Volu

me

13, I

ssue

6f o x C i t i e s

www.foxcitieschamber.com

C h a m b e r

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3 President’s perspectiveViews from Chamber President/CEO Shannon Meyer Full

10 new members

13 dePartment updates

14 accolades, advancements, announcements

11 economic development

12 marketing 101

16 business of the month

17 Young Professionals awards

18 membership drive

19 sponsorship thank You

4 if a tree Falls in a Forest...; lisa cruz

6 First organizational strategies, then marketing strategies; dave salzwedel

8 smart savings For Your business - investing in employee Health and well-being

highlights

features

octoberfest Gives back, page 14

every issue

Fox Cities Chamber Business (v 259180). Published monthly by the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 125 N. Superior Street, Appleton, WI 54911. PH 920-734-7101. web www.foxcitieschamber.com. Periodical postage paid at Appleton, WI. Annual subscription fee to members for Fox Cities Chamber Business is $9 and is included in dues. Publisher: Shannon Meyer Full. Editor: Melody Lane Buller. Design: Coalesce Inc. Printing: Northeast Wisconsin Printing Co. Advertising Sales: Susan Vanden Heuvel, 920-734-7101. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Fox Cities Chamber Business, PO Box 1855, Appleton, WI 54912-1855.

Kim Bassett Heitzmann

Bassett Mechanical

Corey Brumbaugh

Miron Construction

Co, Inc.

Kevin Eismann

Epiphany Law, LLC

Daniel P. Ferris

SECURA Insurance

Jim Gaerthofner

Nordon Business

Environments

Vince Gallucci

Affinity Health System

Sharon Hulce

Employment Resource

Group Inc.

Dennis Jochman

The Bechard Group

Lyssa King

OuterEdge Stage

John Krause

Baker Tilly Virchow

Krause, LLP

Marty Lenss

Outagamie County

Regional Airport

Vic Lutz

McMahon

Bill Mann

ThedaCare

Dr. Susan May

Fox Valley

Technical College

Debra Michiels

Fox Banquets

Rivertyme Catering

John Milanowski

Innovative Machining, Inc.

Bill Mundy

West Business Services

Robert Pedersen

Goodwill NCW

James Rossmeissl

The Boldt Company

Catherine Tierney

Community First

Credit Union

Joan Woldt

Bank First National

Chairman of the Board

Linda Kennedy, Business Lending Group

Chair-Elect

Greg Bell, WHBY

Past Chairman

Jim Rankin, Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation

Secretary/Treasurer

Bruce Zak, JPMorgan Chase, N.A.

Vice Chairman Membership Services

Monica Vomastic, Landmark Staffing Resources

Vice Chairman Economic Development

Kip Golden, Keller Inc.

Vice Chairman Workforce & Leadership Development

Joyce Bytof, Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group

Vice Chairman Government Relations

Robyn Gruner, AT&T

Fox cities board of directors

Publisher: Shannon Meyer Fulleditor: Melody Lane Buller design: Coalesce, Inc.Printing: Northeast Wisconsin Printing Co. advertising sales: Susan Vanden Heuvel, 920-734-7101

this issue Volume 13, Issue 6 | June 2012

First organization strategies; dave salzwedel, page 6

if a tree Falls in a Forest...; lisa cruz, pages 4-5

smart savings For Your business; page 8

1718 E. Wisconsin Ave. Appletton, WI 54911 Phone: 920.735.6777 • Toll Free: 888.563.0400

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Fox Cities Chamber Business JUNE 2012 3

Marketing….one of the most important

pieces of a successful business but also

one of the most complex. Because the

word marketing is used so often, many

believe it is easy or that they can just

do it themselves. However, recently the

chamber has benefitted from feedback

from many experts in the field of marketing

to assist us with a few things that will truly

help us tell our story, which by the way, is

one thing that we have not done well.

One of the first areas of focus is a

comprehensive marketing plan for

the organization. As the 3rd largest

chamber in the state, we are honored to

represent over 1350 business members.

Our members are our primary audience

and our communication and marketing

strategy with our members needs to have

more substance. Therefore, we have

now designed a plan to encourage more

interaction and engagement with our

members as well as collateral pieces that

better demonstrate the direct benefits of

the chamber.

Our program of work collateral is the first

of the strategies to be fully implemented

and we are hearing rave responses from

our members regarding the convenient

flip-book that highlights all of our

programs and services and truly shows

where members can engage to have the

most impact on their own business, the

organization and the community.

As we are undergoing this comprehensive

plan, one thing is for certain, effective

marketing strategies will make all

the difference to the success of this

organization. I often times hear that the

term marketing is cliché and too many

people believe they are experts in the

field. Actually I believe we need many

experts because marketing is so essential

for our success and the dynamics of

marketing are as diverse as our members.

I encourage all of you to explore the new

tactics on marketing and not be afraid of

the ever-changing climate. After all, you

may be missing some key contacts that will

allow you to really expand and grow your

business.

SHANNON MEYER FULLPRESIDENT/CEO

president’s perspective

effective marketing

strategies will make all the

difference to the success of this organization.

4 Fox Cities Chamber Business JUNE 2012

“if a tree Falls in a Forest and no one is around to Hear it, does it make a sound?”I love this quote because I like to think how it applies to business. If you open your doors for business and no one knows about it, are you still open for business? Of course you are! But if no one knows you opened your doors, you are hurting your chances of success.

Over and over again I hear from new businesses that opened with much fanfare only to let their PR efforts fall by the wayside. As a small business owner myself, I understand how challenging it can be to give time to ongoing public relations efforts, but it is essential that you keep up your efforts, no matter what. If you don’t, it will be that much harder and more expensive to raise awareness from ground zero.

In light of that, here are a few ways to garner ongoing awareness of your business with your target audiences.

In-person networking is critical to your overall business development efforts. Set up a regimented calendar when you are attending events and meeting colleagues or potential clients for coffee/lunch or dinner. No excuses. If you are an introvert and this is an uncomfortable effort for you, challenge yourself and set up small, attainable goals. Your business depends on it. One of the first things I did when we opened was laid out every business card I had, picked up the phone and started dialing.

Take advantage of cyclical calendar events that are particular to your industry. For example, if your business provides tax preparation and filing, your communication efforts could tie into educating your target audience in areas such as new tax laws. In addition, you could reach out to the media and let them know you are available as a resource for any upcoming related stories. Make those cyclical dates work for your awareness efforts.

LISA CRUZRED SHOES PR

featured story

www.craigaugustinephoto.comP. 920.810.2616

Let the images speak for themselves


Your community relation efforts are also very important to pursue. Find a nonprofit organization you are passionate about and contact them to see how you can help. From committee work to board involvement and service, nonprofit work is rewarding from the connections you make and more importantly, it’s fulfilling to you as a person. All of which makes sound business sense.

And of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you to have an engaging online presence. Again, these efforts take time but it’s time well spent in the overall scheme of things. Start small and choose a platform where your audience is already engaged. Make postings a couple times a day but make them relevant, conversational and not a hard business sell.

The best place to start with all of these efforts? Put a plan in place because we all know that once it’s written

down you will have a better chance of success. I recently read that if you write your goal down you increase your odds by 80 percent! Your plan doesn’t have to be long or complicated but it should be clear, concise and innovative. Don’t do what everyone else is doing but make your own success by standing out from others.

And remember, the goal is to have that tree fall within earshot of many.

Put a plan in place because we all know that once it’s written down you will have a better chance of success.


First organizational strategies; then marketing strategiesIn his book, ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective

People’, author Steven Covey wrote “Habit #3: Put

First Things First”!

Every good marketing company will tell you that

you need to define your marketing strategies

before you develop your marketing plan.

Marketing strategies are indeed important,

however, they are just one part of the complex

nature of a successful business. A well thought

through marketing strategy can be ineffective if the

organization’s strategy supporting it is non-existent

or contrary.

A strategy is defined as a plan of action to achieve

a goal or set of goals. Two of the first strategic

thinkers, nearly 2,500 years ago, were Alexander

the Great and Sun Tsu, author of “The Art of War.”

The foundation of military concepts they laid are

the bedrock of business strategy even today.

a highly effective marketing strategy must be part of an overall organizational strategy that is built on these foundations:

• Vision, Mission, and Values of the organization

• Internal and external factors that inhibit or

facilitate achievement

• Unique core competencies and productive uses

of them

• Linkages for all functional aspects of the

organization (e.g. marketing)

• Clearly defined actions, responsibilities, and

timelines to achieve developed goals

• Ways to measure progress and change the

strategy if necessary

So, what’s the big deal with all this? The big

deal is it is difficult to put together a strategic

marketing plan without first having a well-defined

organizational strategic plan. Businesses today,

even “small” ones, operate in a very complex

environment with demanding government,

demanding workers, demanding customers, and

demanding suppliers.

How do you do it?

Many of the most progressive companies

seek out professionals who use organizational

assessment software that will, figuratively, “x-ray”

the organization based on the best practices of

those that are most successfully managed in the

country. Strategy, design, and culture all need to be

addressed. The results of such an assessment tool

create limitless opportunities for dialogue between

management team members, or the owner and

employees, etc.

The process that is used to analyze the results

of the assessment meet all the bulleted criteria

above and will produce an organization that knows

its future and has a solid plan to achieve it with

accountabilities defined.

Wouldn’t you want your strategic marketing plan to

be based on a solid organizational plan first?

DAVE SALZWEDELGUIDENT BUSINESS

SOLUTIONS, LLC

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smart savings For Your business - investing in employee Health and well-being

By becoming a member of the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce you have already made one of the smartest decisions for your business. Your Chamber membership gives you access to exclusive partnerships and discounts to help you run your business more efficiently and save money.

Did you know that your business can invest in your employees’ well-being by taking advantage of the Y’s Corporate Partner Wellness Program? Businesses contributing a minimum of $5/per month toward each employee membership will receive a waiver of the employee’s joiner fee and the Y will match half of the contribution up to $10/month.

Corporate Partners also enjoy these benefits:

• One free trial week for employees and their families each year

• Reports showing your employees usage and participation

• Promotional materials provided by the YMCA-email blasts, internal posters, etc.

• Access to all facilities in Wisconsin

• Free on-site health fairs including body fat analysis, blood pressure screenings, and flexibility evaluations

Becoming a Y member means access to: state-of-the-art equipment and knowledgeable staff; pools, gyms, track, racquetball courts; free land and water group exercise classes; discounts on daycare, summer day camp, instructional classes, youth fitness classes and sports leagues; personal fitness program and so much more.

The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce and Industry believes in the value of offering its employees ways to take personal responsibility for their health and well-being. “Our efforts to minimize health care costs starts with our employees making healthier lifestyle choices today to limit overall health care costs tomorrow,” said Shannon L. Full, President/CEO. The YMCA of the Fox Cities Corporate Wellness Partner Program is a great way to accomplish this.

For more information about the YMCA of the Fox Cities Corporate Wellness Partner Program contact Sue Pawlowski, Community Relations Director, YMCA of the Fox Cities at 886-2124 or [email protected].

Make sure your insurance plan includes Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin• Pediatric specialists and subspecialists from allergy to urology.• Fox Valley’s top-level intensive care nursery.• The only hospital in the region that treats children exclusively

and has pediatricians on site 24/7.• Inpatient care, specialty care and neonatal intensive care in the Fox Valley.

It’s easy to see why Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin means the best care for kids. And just in case your child ever needs more, we’re your connection to Children’s in Milwaukee, rated one of the best in the nation.

130 Second St., Neenah(920) 969-7900

Every child. Every need. Every day.

chw.org/fox valley

120014



we welcome new members to the chamberALWAyS iN MoTioN TRUCkiNG, LLCMs. Jessica Owen101 W. Edison Ave. Ste. 205Appleton, WI 54915-1367(888) 788-1734Sponsor: Chris HansonTRANSPORTATION

AVENUE JEWELERSMr. Jason Druxman303 E. College Ave.Appleton, WI 54911-5714(920) 731-4740Sponsor: Joyce Bytof, Robyn GrunerJEWELRYwww.avenuejewelers.com

CoUGhLiN & CoUGhLiN, S.C.Ms. Mary F. Coughlin200 N. Durkee St. Ste 215Appleton, WI 54911-5429(920) 734-2300Sponsor: Ron Zahn / Joanne FischerATTORNEYSwww.coughlinlawsc.com

DAWNoNFiREDawn Nowakowski617 E. Carrington LaneAppleton, WI 54913-7187(920) 419-1599Sponsor: Beth DavisMARKETING

DEBE ChEESECAkE & CATERiNGMs. Debbie Wichman845 Ehlers RoadNeenah, WI 54956-1414(920) 720-5400CATERERSwww.debecheesecake.com

DEWiTT LoNDRE LLCMr. Scott DeWitt1711 W. College Ave.Appleton, WI 54914-4946(920) 740-6660Sponsor: Debra TerryREAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIALwww.dewittlondre.com

DiVERSiFiED iNVESTiGATioNS, LLCMs. Julie RussellPO Box 0562Appleton, WI 54912-0562(920) 886-8160Sponsor: Dennis JochmanINVESTIGATIONS - PRIVATE & SECURITYwww.diinv.com

EMMoNS BUSiNESS iNTERioRSMs. Cheryl Bliss 2142 W. Spencer St.Appleton, WI 54914-4637(920) 738-7500Sponsor: Ron Zahn/Joanne FischerOFFICE FURNITUREwww.ebiweb.com

hARRiSoN PRiNTiNG & PRoMoTioNSMr. Willie Harrison558 Eisenhower Dr. Ste. HKimberly, WI 54936-2145(920) 997-9940Sponsor: Heather Vander HeydenPRINTERS

MARTENSoN & EiSELE, iNC.Mr. Jonathan P. Bartz1377 Midway Rd.PO Box 449Menasha, WI 54952-0449Sponsor: Kip GoldenENGINEERS/SURVEYORS & ARCHITECTSwww.martenson-eisele.com

MED oWL CoNSULTiNGDr. Camille Wissmann,923 W. Windtree Dr.Appleton, WI 54914-7222(920) 268-7350Sponsor: Ron Zahn/Joanne FischerMEDICAL THERAPY MANAGEMENT - PHARMACY

NEWPoRT BoARD GRoUPMr. William Heeter3049 Fairwinds Dr.Neenah, WI 54956(920) 778-0001Sponsor: Dave BoardmanBUSINESS CONSULTANTwww.newportboardgroup.com

SPEEDy CLEAN DRAiN & SEWERMr. Bill Peotter1380 Earl St.Menasha, WI 54952-1415(920) 734-4707Sponsor: Les VanOrnum/Heather VanderHeydenSEWER & SEPTIC TANK SERVICESwww.speedycleaninc.com

ThE QTi GRoUPMs. Jennifer Nigl4545 W. College Ave., Ste. 100Appleton, WI 54914(920) 882-0559Sponsor: Dawn NowakowskiSTAFFING SERVICESwww.qtigroup.com

TWiGS & ViNES FLoRALMs. Judy Corrigan3100 N. Richmond St.Appleton, WI 54911-1151(920) 734-2303Sponsor: Joanne Fischer/Ron ZahnFLORISTSwww.tvfloral.com

WiND RiVER FiNANCiALMr. John Mendoza41 Solar CircleAppleton, WI 54915-5840(920) 810-4957Sponsor: Dennis AllarBUSINESS SERVICESwww.windriverfinancial.com

new members


economic development

horizontal logo

stacked logo

Case Study in Economic Development:

topeka’s Gamble

Topeka was not the most vibrant city in the Midwest. The downtown streets that surrounded the Kansas Capitol building were pocked with empty storefronts, and population growth during the past quarter-century was negligible. But Topeka’s sorry track record created an environment fertile for a bold experimentation. Citizens in 2000 decided to increase the sales tax to pay for infrastructure and economic development. That move has been credited with the creation or retention of about 5,000 central-city jobs. Since then, the tax incentive program has been doubled and extended for 12 more years.

Go Topeka was created as an economic development engine to change the landscape of the Topeka/Shawnee County. Through a process of bringing in new “outside” dollars into the community, a greater wealth and quality of place was established for their current citizens and future generations. Go Topeka achieved this mainly through new capital investment, business creation and recruitment of “primary” jobs, but also in retention and expansion of existing businesses.

Go Topeka and its program for recruitment have been declared a “model for economic development organizations”. Additionally, Go Topeka’s Entrepreneurial and Minority Business Development program has been cited as a national model to follow by the Institute for Competitive Workforce. In 2011, Go Topeka’s efforts on behalf of Topeka and Shawnee counties yielded a combined capital investment of $250 million. According to its newest corporate citizen, Mars Chocolate North America, they will have an economic impact of $3.24 billion over the next 10 years and will create 425 new jobs.

Yes, investment in economic development can be daunting, but the pay-off is a better quality of place, a better quality of jobs, and a better quality of long-term diversity. For Topeka, Kansas it was the only course of action that made sense.

Let’s iGNiTE Fox Cities!


The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce recently sponsored a webcast called Chick-fil-a Leadercast on May 4th. The event was held at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and organized by Fox Valley Workforce Development and SHRM. This event was an all-day live webcast from Atlanta, Georgia of 10 nationally-renowned speakers. The speakers included; Andy Stanley, Soledad O’Brian, Dr. Roland Fryer, Marcus Buckingham, Angela Ahrendts, John Maxwell, Urban Meyer, Tim Tebow, Dr. Sheena Lyengar and Patrick Lencioni. The topic for the webcast was ‘Choices’ and each speaker presented on how the daily choices we make in our lives will have a profound impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. If you were not able to attend the event, here is a snapshot of the key take-aways.

LEADERShiP: Effective leadership was discussed in some capacity by all of the speakers. Each speaker presented on what they thought effective leadership meant. Angela Ahrendts, CEO of Burberry believed that great leadership is recognizing the individual strengths on your team and putting the right people in the right place, at the right time to accomplish great things. Tim Tebow, NFL quarterback said that everyone is a leader whether they know it or not. He believes that leadership is the ability to influence one person, so make sure you are influencing the right attitudes and behaviors.

GoAL SETTiNG: John Maxwell, author of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership presented on how to create a personal growth plan. His belief is that the only way you can grow is to do it intentionally, and the secret to success is in the tasks you perform every day. Just like a business plans for growth and success, so too should individuals. Success does not happen by accident.

oRGANizATioNAL hEALTh: There are two things that make an organization successful, smart people and healthy cultures. Patrick Lencioni, author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, said he has never seen an organization fail because they don’t have smart enough people; rather organizations fail because their culture is broken. Organizational health is one of the last competitive advantages for companies. If an organization is in great ‘health’ people will be happier, more productive and will stay with the company longer. The way to achieve organization health is through, building a cohesive leadership team, creating clarity around initiatives and vision and continually repeating and reinforcing that vision.

DECiSioN MAkiNG: Decision making is one of the most critical skills leaders can possess according to Andy Stanley, author of Next Generation Leader. His theory is that there is not enough time in the day to accomplish everything we have on our plates. Therefore, it is essential that we understand how to make decisions. Without the ability to prioritize tasks we will always be putting out fires and answering the call of the squeakiest wheel.

This approach teaches others that if they want to get our attention, they simply need to create a crisis and we will respond. Here are the three questions he recommends you ask yourself when making decisions and prioritizing tasks.

1. What would my replacement do?

2. What would a great leader do?

3. What story do I want to tell?

This webcast is scheduled to take place again on May 10, 2013 and will be broadcast from Atlanta. If you are interested in attending a local screening, mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information closer to the event date.

i have yet to be in a game where luck was involved. well-prepared players make plays. i have yet to be in a game where the most prepared team didn’t win.

- Urban Meyer, Head football coach at the Ohio State University

marketing: What Story Do You Want to Tell?

marketing 101


department updates

• Discussedtheestablishingofasmallbusinessmentoringprogram with committee members calling on small businesses in the Fox Cities Area to ascertain if assistance can be provided

• ViewedapresentationbyLaith Wardi of Executive Pulse, Inc. on an improved version of the Executive Pulse Survey Program

• Continuetodiscusshowtheorganizationcanbestaidthe Fox Cities Economic Development Alliance with the recommendations from the study “Ignite Fox Cities”

• ExploringthecreationofaEB-5RegionalCenterintheFox Cities Area to encourage foreign investment

economic development

• TestifiedbeforetheWisconsinTransportationFinanceand Policy Board in support of legislation that would allow communities in the Fox Cities to create a Regional Transit Authority (RTA). Sales tax revenue generated via the RTA, up to one-half of one percent, would be used to fill a federal revenue hole created when the urbanized Fox Cities area exceeded a population of 200,000. The tax could not be levied without the consent of area taxpayers via a referendum

• MetwithMikeHuebsch,SecretaryoftheWisconsinDepartment of Administration. Secretary Huebsch shared with the Council that the state is on track to finish the biennium with the first budget surplus in a decade

• ParticipatedinaDiversityinPlanningsessionhostedbyEast Central Wisconsin Regional Planning and UW-Fox

Valley at the Bridgewood Hotel and Conference Center in Neenah. The focus of the agenda was to punctuate the importance of communities incorporating diversity into their planning activities

• ContinuesworkonfinalizingtheagendafortheFalledition of the Institute for Political Leadership. The program is helpful for those individuals interested in working behind the scenes on a campaign

• Tookpartinapublicinformationsessionregardingtheproposed improvements for the Tri-County Freeway. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has completed its planning study and is now developing plans to reconstruct and expand approximately six miles of the heavily traveled US 10/WIS 441 Tri-County freeway between Cold Spring Road and Oneida Street

government affairs

• Attendedthefollowingribboncuttings–DRXMedicalExercise&PostRehabInstitute–Menasha,andDentalWorks in the Town of Grand Chute

• PlanningtheBreakfastNetworkingConnectiononJune 28th, another great opportunity to promote your

business and make new contacts. This event is held at the Chamber office at 7:30 a.m. You will have 2 minutes to talk about your business, distribute business cards and brochures. To register, please contact us at 734-7101 orgotoourwebsite–www.foxcitieschamber.com

membership

• Awarded$15,175tolocalorganizationsinitssecondround of giving for this year, totaling more than $31,200 granted so far in 2012. Grants in the most recent round of giving were awarded as follows:

1. $5,000 to Appleton Downtown Inc for their Summer Concert series

2. $1,675 to Appleton Fox Cities Kiwanis for the Appleton Old Car Show

3. $4,000 to the Fox Cities Book Festival for the Tunes & Tales Concert

4. $2,500 to the Friends of the Appleton Fire Department for the refurbishing of an antique fire engine

5. $1,000 to Heckrodt Wetland Reserve for an upcoming exhibit

6. $1,000 to YMCA Fox Cities for their Healthy Kids Day walk

octoberfest


accoladesKeitH Kiesow, town oF menasHa fire chief, has been

named the recipient of Fox Valley Technical College’s 2012

Outstanding Alumni Award. Kiesow graduated from FVTC

in 1977 with a technical diploma in Auto Mechanics and

in 1995 with an associated degree in Fire Protection. He

also currently teaches in the Fire Protection program at

FVTC as an adjunct instructor and serves on the program’s

advisory committee. The annual award recognizes a FVTC

graduate who has demonstrated the value of technical

education through career advancement, community

service, continued personal and educational growth,

and support of the Wisconsin Technical College System.

Kiesow will receive his award on Sunday, May 13 at FVTC’s

spring commencement ceremony at the Kolf Sports

Center in Oshkosh.

J. J. Keller & associates, inc.® — a leading risk

and regulatory management company employing more

than 1,200 associates — was presented with the coveted

Wellness Councils of America (WELCOA) Gold Well

Workplace Award Thursday, April 12, 2012 at the 2nd

Annual Well City Fox Cities Awards Celebration hosted

at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. The

Gold Well Workplace Award recognizes an organization

for its commitment to the health and well-being of its

employees. Organizations must meet seven benchmarks

in order to win a Well Workplace Award from WELCOA

— capture senior level support, create cohesive wellness

teams, collect data to drive health efforts, craft an

operating plan, choose appropriate interventions, create

a supportive environment, and consistently evaluate

outcomes. Organizations that receive Gold designation

have developed comprehensive, strategic wellness

programs that produce quantifiable results as an integral

part of their overall business. Said WELCOA President

david Hunnicutt, “J. J. Keller has created a work

environment that is second to none in terms of morale,

productivity, and health. Quite truly, [J. J. Keller has]

become one of ‘America’s Healthiest Companies.”

advancementstHe Fox cities convention & visitors bureau

has named randY Prasse as its new executive director.

Prasse, a veteran destination marketing executive,

replaces Lynn Peters who announced her plans to depart

from the Bureau in December. His selection is a result

of a comprehensive nationwide search conducted by

the board of directors. “Randy is a great addition to the

Fox Cities CVB team. His professional qualifications,

including his nearly 20 years of successes in Wisconsin’s

tourism industry, speak volumes,” commented cHerYl

ZauG caseY, board chair of the Fox Cities CVB. Zaug

Casey continued. “On behalf of the board of directors,

I’m pleased to welcome him to our forward-looking

organization and region. The Fox Cities Convention

& Visitors Bureau is recognized throughout Wisconsin

and the tourism industry nationally as an innovative and

aggressive marketing organization,” said Prasse. “I intend

to continue the fine work that Lynn Peters and the team

have done over the years to ensure the organization

remains sustainable and, like the region itself, is poised

for future growth.” Prasse has held leadership positions

with Real Racine, the East Town Association in downtown

Milwaukee, and the Tri-County Economic Development

Alliance, a regional economic development alliance,

comprised of 23 communities in northwest Illinois.

cHristine dicKert of Racine will begin full time

employment with stellar blue web desiGn as of

June 4th, 2012. Hired as an Internet Marketing Intern in

December 2011, Dickert will advance to the position of

Sales and Marketing Assistant. In this position Dickert

accolades, advancements and announcements

2401 E. Enterprise AvenueAppleton • 920-882-4070

www.McCarty-Law.com

McCarty Law LLP welcomes Attorney Philip A. Munroe to its Fox Valley practice.

Phil, a resident of Neenah, received his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College (A.B.) and earned his law degree at Boston University School of Law (J.D.).

Phil’s practice consists of litigating general civil matters ranging from auto accident cases to contracts to administrative matters, as well as employment discrimination matters and challenges to real estate tax assessments. He also works with financial institutions on loan workouts and collections.

Growing to serve your needs

I. Gregg Curry IV • John J. Russo • Steven J. Cerasoli • Scott C. Barr • Reg P. WydevenRebecca L. Kent • Kristy A. Christensen • Jennifer T. Bania • Michael W. Curry • Philip A. Munroe

Of Counsel: Dennis M. Wydeven • Randall A. Haak • John A. Esler


will be given a higher level of responsibility in supporting

clients with internet marketing solutions and contributing

to the advancement of Stellar Blue. “Christine’s

enthusiasm for our industry and proactive nature makes

her an excellent fit for the Stellar Blue team,” said

Marketing Director Amanda Betts. “She is a quick learner,

which adds to her already apparent skill set. We look

forward to watching her grow into the full-time position.”

omnni associates is pleased to announce the addition

of JoHn Haese to the OMNNI team. Haese’s role at

OMNNI Associates will be to expand their transportation

client base throughout the state. Haese has over 30

years of experience in highway department operations.

His career included work in Manitowoc, Calumet and

Winnebago Counties and for the past 15 years he was a

Wisconsin County Highway Commissioner. Responsibilities

included the administration and management of

maintenance, construction, and design projects related

to local highway and bridge programs. John earned his

Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from

Lakeland College.

announcements20 local a&w® restaurants make commitments to stay true

to founder’s vision. rootY tHe Great root bear™ is

baaack! In a business environment where family-owned

stores are being acquired daily or are put out of business

by national retailers, 20 A&W® restaurants in the Green

Bay and the Fox Valley area, along with restaurant owners

nationally, recently made the decision to divest from

their parent company, YUM! Brands Inc. The move was

done to help A&W owners reconnect with their local

communities in personal ways and position themselves

for continued growth, said barb GretZinGer, co-owner

of the Appleton A&W restaurant with Jim braJdic. “Our

root beer is what made us famous, and we are committed

to continue to serve our local customers well with freshly-

made, creamy and smooth root beer and promotions that

serve our local residents and market,” said Gretzinger.

wisconsin saFetY council is holding several training

sessions in June, 2012. Topics and dates: June 12, 2012

- Job saFetY analYsis (Jsa); June 14, 2012 - saFetY

communication & traininG tecHniques and June

26, 2012 - locKout/taGout, train-tHe-trainer. Call

(800) 236-3400 to register. Be sure to mention that you are

a Fox Cities Chamber member to receive the member

discount. Please register at least 5 business days prior

to course date. To view our full calendar of scheduled

courses, visit http://www.wmc.org/programs/wisconsin-

safety-council/training/course-listing/seminarsbydate/


CongratulationsSince its inception in 1974, SVA has focused on developing long-standing business relationships. As client businesses and personal interests grew, SVA’s service offerings also multiplied in order to keep up with expanding client requirements.

Now, almost 40 years later, SVA and its affiliates are recognized leaders offering a wide range of professional services including audit and accounting, tax, business information technologies, medical billing and coding, wealth management, trust and estate administration services.

The cornerstone of SVA will always remain the same, providing local services and value to help clients achieve measurable results for their business and personal financial goals.

The SVA companies are comprised of:

• SVA Certified Public Accountants, S.C.

• SVA Healthcare Services, LLC

• SVA MedCode Specialists, LLC

• SVA Plumb Wealth Management, LLC

• SVA Consulting, LLC

• SVA Plumb Trust Company, LLC

• SVA Plumb Retirement Plan Services, LLC

SVA has been recognized in Top 100 Firm lists for Accounting Today and Inside Public Accounting, which ranks the top accounting firms in the United States, and attributes its success to their client commitment. Continued focus on client needs and helping them achieve measurable results sets SVA apart from other firms.

SVA is a growing firm to watch as one of its supervisors, Marshall Watry, was nominated for the Fox Cities Future 15 Young Professionals award in May 2012.

Dean Hunt, business development manager, was named Agency Volunteer of the Year for his work with The Building for Kids Children’s Museum; the award was sponsored by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.

With 43 principals and 421 total employees, SVA services more than 14,000 clients generating a annual revenue of $52 million. Full-service locations include: Madison, Milwaukee, Appleton and Rockford, Illinois, as well as specialty offices located in Freeport, Illinois and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

business oF tHe montH | June, 2012sva certiFied Public accountants 4321 WEST COLLEG AVENUE SUITE 300 • APPLETON, WI 54914 • (920) 750-6007

business of the month

DEAN HUNT

JOHAN KNECHT


young professionals awards

Pulse Young Professionals, a program of the Fox

Cities Chamber along with The Post-Crescent,

honored the top 15 young professionals in the Fox

Cities on May 15, 2012. This, the second year of the

Fox Cities Future 15 Young Professionals Awards,

was hosted by our partner UW Fox Valley at their

communications arts center. These awards honor

and recognize 15 young professionals who have

taken their career responsibilities and involvement

in the community far beyond set expectations.

These individuals are our future leaders.

Future 15 recipients were chosen based on their

dedication, strong sense of vision for the Fox

Cities and understanding of the importance of

volunteering and giving back. This Future 15 group

truly exemplifies these aspects, and for this reason we are excited about their futures and the future of our community.

This year the award for Young Professional of the Year will be awarded at The Fox Cities Chamber’s annual gala called The Event held in

November. All current and past Future 15 award recipients will be eligible to win this award.

here are the 2012 Fox Cities Future 15

the Fox cities Future 15 Young Professionals awards

Congratulations to all the

Future 15 Candidates for 2012

Ryan Batley, Ground Round Grill & Bar

katie Blom, Epiphany Law, LLC

Bill Bradley, Nicolet National Bank

Angie Ceranski, Wisconsin Timber

Rattlers

Michael Curry, McCarty Law, LLP

Clint Dorn, Chiropractic Health &

Rehabilitation Center

Brandon Dziatkewich, Image Studios

Amy Eckes, Transit Mutual Insurance

Corporation of Wisconsin

Gina Glover, Coalesce

Chad Gruett, Morgan Stanley

Sheena hanson, Uncommon Cents

Investing

katie hietpas, Pfefferle Companies/

Pfefferle Management

Brian hoefs, Associated Bank

Mark ihlenfeldt, Alliance Construction

& Design

Lyssa king, OuterEdge Stage

Stephanie kleman, Associated Bank

Jaime kriewaldt, Boys & Girls Clubs of

the Fox Valley

kirsten krowas, BSI

Anne Lagunes, Emergency Shelter of

the Fox Valley, Inc.

Dustin McClone, McClone Insurance

Group

Casee Meach, Branching Out & Co.

Jamey Milheiser, Fairway Independent

Mortgage Corp

Maria Nelson, Red Shoes PR, Inc.

kole oswald, Valley Packaging

Industries, Inc.

Josh Palubicki, Wisconsin Wireless

Communications

Robert Peterson, Thilmany Papers

Myra Piergrossi, Town of Menasha

Randall Reed, Omni Resources, Inc.

Emma Reiser, Housing Partnership of

the Fox Cities, Inc.

Jonny Richard, New York Life

Megan Rollo, Kobussen Buses, Ltd.

Tracey Saari, Willems Marketing

Eduardo Sanchez, Solea Mexican Grill

karen Schiller, NAMI Fox Valley

Sandy Shultz, Winch Financial

kim Sippola, Outagamie County

Regional Airport

Steve Slocum, Time Warner Cable

Brenton Teeling, Menn Law Firm, Ltd.

Jill Valdez, Fox Valley Workforce

Development Board, Inc.

Chris Van Straten, Baker Tilly Virckow

Krause, LLP

Timothy Vogelsang, First National Bank

Fox Valley

Marshall Watry, SVA Certified Public

Accountants SC

Lisa Werner, Pivot, LLC

Tiffany Wesoloski, Huntley Elementary

Becky Ackermann,XavierHighSchool Brent Buss, The Chiropractic

Advantage LLC

kip Golden, Keller Inc.

Mary Greiner, Schenck SC

Amy henselin, Grant Thornton LLP

Autumn hill, Autumn Hill Creative LLC

Tania kilpatrick, CESA 6

Theresa Lehman, Miron Construction

Co., Inc.

Brian olesen, OMNNI Associates

Stacey Madson, Reuss Forest View

Dental

Tyler Skibba, The Chiropractic

Advantage LLC

Jay Stephany, Goodwill NCW

Anthony Wilhelms, JP Morgan

kristy zach, Time Warner Cable

Anne zeamer, Jewelers Mutual

Insurance Company


1st Place Membership Drive Team - Joanne Fischer, Telecom Insites & Ron zahn, Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group

2nd Place Membership Drive Team - heather Vander heyden-Wessley, Fox Communities Credit Union & Les Van ornum, Merchants’ Choice Card Services

heather Vander heyden-Wessley - Fox Communities Credit Union; Dennis Jochman - The Bechard Group; Joanne Fischer - Telecom Insites; Ron zahn - Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group; Beth Davis - Community First Credit Union; Dawn Nowakowski–DawnOnFire; Rick Van Beek–PostNet;Les Van ornum - Merchants’ Choice Card Services

membership drive

A Big “Thank You” to our Chamber volunteers from the President’s Club. Our Spring 2012 Membership Drive garnered 40 new members! The following teams were the top sellers in the drive:

1st Place Team: Ron zahn, Coldwell Banker the Real Estate Group & Joanne Fischer,TelecomInsites–11sales

2nd Place Team: heather Vander heyden-Wessley, Fox Communities Credit Union & Les Van ornum, Merchants’ Choice Card Services - 7 sales

3rd Place Team: Dennis Jochman, The Bechard Group & Vivian huth,KampoWarehousing&BuildingSystems–6sales

Largest $ Amount for Single Membership: Beth Davis, Community First Credit Union & Dawn Nowakowski, DawnOnFire

The President’s Club is made up of unique, dedicated chamber members who use their time, talent and treasure in order to increase the footprint of the Chamber business community locally, statewide and nationally. The larger group of businesses the Chamber has, the louder voice it has in economic development, government advocacy and national exposure.

We thank these farsighted individuals who have helped our business community grow and prosper.


Thank you for your

support...The Fox Cities Chamber strives to create programs of value available to all our members at the lowest fees possible. To that end,

we acknowledge and thank the many sponsors that enable us to keep providing the services, programs and training our members

expect from us. In June, many local businesses came together to provide the following:

Business Awards Luncheon: Each year, the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce and Industry honors local businesses that are

changing the growth in the Fox Cities area. The annual business awards luncheon took place at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel on

June 6, 2012.

This year, three new business award categories were included along with the Business of the Year award and the Rising Star award:

Corporate Citizen/Leadership award, Company Innovation award and Exemplary Marketing and/or Performance award. We thank

the Presenting Sponsors:

First National Bank Fox Valley and Schenck SC for making the recognition possible.

Business Expo: 2012 Business Expo was held on June 6 at Radisson Paper Valley Hotel. The Business Expo attracted over 500

attendees who had the opportunity to visit exhibitors and then network in the evening at the Chamber’s monthly Business

Connection rounding out the Business Trifecta. We thank our sponsors listed below who contributed in making this memorable

event successful.

Presenting Sponsor

Premier Sponsors

Contributing Sponsors

sponsorship thank you


EVENTS

2012 2012 -- Marketing OpportunitiesMarketing Opportunities

Meet Your Legislators—January Business Connection with elected officials. Averaging 300+ attendees Premier Sponsors: $750 Contributing Sponsors: $500 Future 15 Young Professional Awards Premier Sponsors: $1,000

Golf Outing—August Premier Sponsor: $3,000 Golf Cart Sponsor: $2,000 Golf Lunch Sponsor: $1,500 Golf Reception Sponsor: $1,500 All in One Sponsor: $ 800 Tee or Hole Sponsors: $ 350 Beverage Sponsors: $ 100

Quarterly Business Symposiums Presenting Sponsor: $1,000 per symposium $3,500 for all 4 Career Fair—March Presenting Sponsor: $3,000 Premier Sponsor: $1,000 Contributing Sponsors: $ 500 Small Business Sponsors: $ 250

ANNUAL S IGNATURE EVENTS

The Event—mid-October to early November Annual Meeting averaging 900 attendees Presenting Sponsor: $10,000 Premier Sponsors: $ 5,000 Contributing Sponsors: $ 2,500 Corporate Packages: $ 750

PROGRAMS

Pulse, Young Professionals Network Opportunity to sponsor monthly events ($600), annual CEO Breakfast or Future 15 Awards ($1,500 each).

Pulse CEO Breakfast Presenting Sponsor: $1,500 Leadership Fox Cities LFC Retreat $2,500 LFC Graduation $1,500 LFC Executive Program $1,500 LFC Youth Program $1,500

Opportunity to sponsor monthly events ($600), annual 8 month program or Executive Leadership Program ($1,500 each).

Fox Cities Chamber Business, the Chamber’s monthly print magazine, has 85,580 touches in the business community per issue, reaching business owners, senior level executives, managers, supervisors, sales & marketing and small business owners. Contact Susan Vanden Heuvel for an editorial calendar and rate sheet. Member411, the Chamber’s bi-weekly e-newsletter reaches 3,000 email addresses. Chamber Mobile App $500 for 6 months

ADVERTIS ING

Business Awards—June Presenting Sponsors: $7,500 Premier Sponsors: $1,000

Business Expo—June Together with the Business Awards Program. Presenting Sponsors: $2,500 Premier Sponsors: $1,500 Contributing Sponsors: $ 750

Christa McAuliffe Academy Many opportunities for class, tour or break sponsorships. Contact the Chamber for more information. F.O.C.U.S. / STEM F.O.C.U.S. (fostering our communities understanding of STEM – science, technology, engineering and math) a shared resource and economic system for all things related to STEM in the Fox Cities including mentoring of students in grades 5-9. Please contact the chamber for more information on how you can become involved in the development of our future workforce.

Economic Outlook Breakfast—February Results of the economic outlook survey are presented. Averaging 600+ attendees Presenting Sponsor: $2,500 Premier Sponsors: $1,000 Contributing Sponsors: $ 500

out and about

The Chamber Ambassadors conducted a ribbon cutting with D. Cameron Wygle, DDS and the team at DentalWorks, 4182 W. Wisconsin Ave., Appleton at their May Grand Opening.

David Brown, DHSc, MS and his team with Chamber Ambassadors, during the Ribbon Cutting at Grand Opening of DRX Medical Exercise & Post Rehab Institute, 880 S. Oneida St., Menasha.

2012 Plan

ning

Signature Events

Economic Outlook Breakfast Wednesday, 2/1/12 Radisson Paper Valley Hotel 333 W. College Ave. , Appleton 7:30-9:00 AM $20/individual member; $225/table (10) member price $30/prospective member; $225/table (10) member price

Legislative Dialogue Breakfast Monday, 1/30/12 Radisson Paper Valley Hotel 333 W. College Ave. , Appleton 7:15-9:00 AM $20/person

Business Awards & Business Expo Wednesday, 6/6/12 Radisson Paper Valley Hotel 333 W. College Ave. , Appleton Awards Luncheon 11:30 AM—1:30 PM Expo 1:30—5:00 PM Business Connection 5:00—7:00 PM

Signature Symposium Series Wednesday, 2/1/12 Radisson Paper Valley Hotel 333 W. College Ave. , Appleton 9:00-11:45 AM $45/person

Golf Outing & Big Ball Drop Tuesday, 8/14/12 Butte des Morts Country Club 3600 W. Prospect Ave., Appleton Cost and time to be determined

Future 15 Awards Mid May Details to be determined

The Event ~ Celebrating Business Mid October to early November Details to be determined

Breakfast Networking Connections

January 26 February 23 March 29 April 26 May 31 June 28 July 26 August 30 September 27 October 25 November 29 December—no meeting

Fox Cities Chamber Office 125 N. Superior St., Appleton Last Thursday of the month 7:30-9:00 AM; $2 at the door

Please check the Chamber website foxcitieschamber.com for updated information about each of the event dates, times, locations and costs. You can register directly online.

Wednesday, 2/15/12 Fidelity National Bank 1500 N. Casaloma Dr. , Appleton

Monday, 1/23/12 Meet Your Legislators Radisson Paper Valley Hotel 333 W. College Ave. , Appleton

Wednesday, 3/14/12 Solea Mexican Grill 1350 Gillingham Rd., Neenah

Wednesday, 4/25/12 Famous Dave’s 1170 N. Westhill Blvd., Appleton

Wednesday, 5/23/12 Waverly Beach N8770 Firelane 1, Menasha

Wednesday, 6/6/12 Part of the Business Expo Radisson Paper Valley Hotel 333 W. College Ave. , Appleton

Tuesday, 8/21/12 High Cliff Restaurant, Banquets and Catering W5095 Golf Course Rd., Sherwood

Tuesday, 7/17/12 Appleton Yacht Club 1200 S. Lutz Dr., Appleton

Tuesday, 11/6/12 Grand Meridian 2621 N. Oneida St., Appleton

September, October & December Dates & Locations to be determined

Business Connections 5:00-7:00 PM; $2 prior to the event; $4 at the door; $20/prospective member

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:

Fox Cities Chamber Business

c/o Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc.

PO Box 1855

Appleton, WI 54912-1855

f o x C i t i e s C h a m b e r

Post your job openings on Wisconsin TechConnect, your online resource for

Wisconsin technical college graduates. It’s fast, easy to use, and free!

FVTC graduates come prepared with the skills required for today’s complex work environment.

Please remove prior to insertion:Fox Valley Technical College C125_12SES - May F.C. Business Mag

www.fvtc.edu/ses-employers(920) 735-JOBS (5627)[email protected]

Patty Van RyzinVP-Human Resources Bassett Mechanical

Student Employment Services

fox cities business magazine

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