Prairie du Sac | Sauk City | Merrimac | Roxbury Leland | Witwen | Denzer | Black Hawk C h a m b e r N e w s

J a n u a r y 2 0 1 5“ T h e C h a m b e r p r o m o t e s a n d

f o s t e r s a h e a l t h y e c o n o m y a n d q u a l i t y l i f e s t y l e f o r

m e m b e r s a n d t h e C o m m u n i t y ”

Upcoming Events

1/1Happy New Years!!!

1/9House Concert:

Rory Bolton

1/10Bald Eagle Watching

Bus Tour

1/14Business After 5Rainbow Floral

1/16-1/17Bald Eagle Watching Days

1/19Annual Awards Dinner

& Meeting

1/222015 Economic

Outlook Breakfast

1/28Young Professionals

1/30Chamber “Super” Bowl

1/31Wollersheim Winery - Port

Wine Celebration

Visitwww.saukprairie.com

for more events

Ready, Set & We are off into the New Year! Welcome 2015! If you are like me, you can’t stand resolutions, primarily because by February, the resolutions we set have been thrown to the wind. So forget resolutions. Instead, focus on goals – goals that will help you and your business this year, goals that are attainable, and ones that you can achieve with minimal effort. Goals that will make you a happier and more relaxed business owner or employee this year. Join me in the countdown…

Goal #7: Get Out of the Office…You and your employees work hard and sometimes we tend to get too focused on projects and forget to connect with each other on a more social level. Make time to have fun with your employees – one event coming up is our annual Chamber Bowl! Join us on January 30th for a fun night out. Bring your employees and compete for the best bowler in Sauk Prairie, or the worst! Either way, it says that you value personal relationships!

Goal #6: Stay Present! When work gets stressful and projects are due, sometimes we have trouble sleeping, making time for ourselves or living in the moment. Plan fun activities at night and on the weekends. Take time for yourself and this will give you focus and more energy, ultimately, the clarity that you need to grow your business.

Goal #5: Give Up Control Issues…no one intentionally wants to be a micromanager, but you’ve got to admit that the urge to control everything is so tempting. This year, work on letting people figure out their own solutions, rather than trying to fix everything. Empower the people around you to grow through trial and error.

Goal #4: Say No! There is always another product line or new exciting programs to introduce. Take time to really think about these new ventures. Evaluate your work load and say no if your plate is too full. Schedule time to work on specific projects and don’t accept new ventures if it is going to take you off task from your original goals.

Goal #3: Take a Vacation…Every business owner wants to take a vacation, but what happens to your business if you leave town? Plan and set aside time to take personal time – you will be a better leader once you have had time to disconnect from work!

Goal #2: Market Your Business & Network! No one knows your business better than you. Attend networking events and programs that give you a platform to talk about your business – Try Get Moving Sauk Prairie, our morning networking event that showcases 5 – 7 businesses each month. Staying in the office behind the desk does not develop and foster relationships. If morning doesn’t work for you, attend a Business After Five!

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Goal #1: Separate your work identity from your personal identity. This year, divide your workspace from your personal space. Develop reasonable hours that you are willing to take calls, emails, etc., then disconnect and agree to not work during “family/personal time”.

And throughout 2015, remember to have FUN! We have one life. Enjoy it. Make a difference. If you are looking for ways to get you or your employees more involved in the Chamber or community events, please take a moment to give me a call. Together, we can find programs or events that are right for you.

Inside this edition of Chamber News, you will find plenty of things to do in January – Business After Five at Rainbow Floral on January 14 (trust me, you do not want to miss this, they really know how to throw a party), our Annual Dinner & Awards Banquet on January 19th, our community’s Economic Outlook Breakfast on January 22nd, and the Chamber Super Bowl on January 30th. Be sure to welcome the Eagle Watchers on January 16 & 17, along with every other Saturday in January & February. Make sure your entrances are inviting, signage is welcoming, and develop specials that entice those visiting. So many ways to get out, have fun & relax on the Sauk Prairie Riverway!

~ Tywana German, Executive Director

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Tourism on Tap

It’s a New Year!

Welcome, 2015! We are looking forward to an exciting year ahead of us in the Riverway and anticipate many new visitors to the area with our marketing campaign and some new events coming.

January is “Eagle month” in Sauk Prairie and we will see travelers from all over Southern Wisconsin and neighboring states coming to town to get an up close view at our Nation’s symbol. Those of us that live here are so used to seeing eagles in the river that it is easy to forget that many Americans have never seen a live bald eagle, much less in the wild. Ferry Bluff Eagle Council’s eagle watching bus tours begin Saturday, January 10 and run through Saturday, February 14th from the Cedarberry Inn. If you’d like to make a reservation, contact the Cedarberry at 643-6625. Eagle Watching Days is January 16th & 17th and features many activities to learn about eagles and their conservation. Popular with kids and adults alike are the “Live Birds of Prey” shows with the U of M Raptor Center at the River Arts Center, 9 am and 3 pm. The emotional highlight of Eagle Watching Days is arguably the release of rehabilitated eagles by the Raptor Education Group at the VFW boat launch in Prairie du Sac, 1pm. Wollersheim Winery offers the “Eagle White” wine tasting from 10am- 5pm and the winery grounds are also a great place to catch a glimpse of eagles as well. For more event information, check out the FBEC’s website http://www.ferrybluffeaglecouncil.org/ .

Speaking of Wollersheim, later in January is their annual Port Wine celebration and release. Tours, tastings, live music, and winemaker talks occur between 10am and 4pm on January 31st. River Arts, Inc also has events in January. On January 22nd, Ken Lonnquist performs his repertoire of humorous folk songs. During the month, there are art exhibits for Kurt Eakle, Sauk Prairie Middle School students, and winners from the community photo contest.

Next Meeting: January 285:30pm - 7:30pm

Location to be determined

Young Professionals is a networking group geared towards professionals and entrepreneurs under forty. The focus alternates each month between pure social hours and professional Q&A

panels. Join us for beer, appetizers, and fun.

2015 DatesFebruary 25 March 25

Next Meeting: February 37:30am - 8:45am

Blue Spoon Cafe - River Room

Don’t miss this great networking and educational meeting, the first Tuesday of each month. Featured speakers, Chamber updates, coffee and light pastries, and one great tuba player make this

a light morning meeting that is sure to make you smile.

2015 DatesMarch 3 April 7 May 5

Join us for a discussion on work related back pain. Learn why

your back is hurting and what you can do to decrease pain, improve your daily functioning

and prevent that pain from returning.

LUNCHLEARN

N

FEBRUARY 11WEDNESDAY

11:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.Sauk Prairie Riverway

Welcome Center

Please join us:

Please RSVP to 643-4168 orspacc@saukprairie.com

Premier Digital Definition Video AdvertisingAt the Sauk Prairie Riverway Welcome Center

Now Selling...

• 20,000 vehicles passing by per day• 27,600 total impressions daily

• Located at the entrance to Sauk County, Wisconsin’s third largest tourism county• High frequency: message will be broadcast up to 1,440 times over 24 hours

• Flexibility to change your message throughout the day• Low CPM (cost per thousand) compared to other digital advertising

• Ability to run your logo, animated images or simple text in variety of colors

InvestmentLock In your Advertising for 2015 Now!

New Year SpecialBook by February 15th to receive the

following special prices:

Weekly member rate: $100Monthly member rate: $ 375

3 - Month member rate: $11256 - Month member rate: $2250

Weekly non-profit rate: $40Monthly non-profit rate: 150

Call or Email today!

spacc@saukprairie.com 643-4168

January 16 & 17

Next Meeting: May 67:30am - 8:45am

Blue Spoon Cafe - River Room

Don’t miss this great networking and educational meeting, the first Tuesday of each month. Featured speakers, Chamber updates, coffee and light pastries, and one great tuba player make this

a light morning meeting that is sure to make you smile.

2014 DatesJune 3 July1 August 5

Badger History Group

(608) 448-2488

6PS 57560 Hwy 12North Freedom, WI 53954

Historical Museum of Badger Army Amo Plant

Sauk Columbia SHRM

(608) 355-3000

S4066 US Hwy BDBaraboo, WI 53913

http://saukcountyhr.shrm.org/

Sauk Columbia SHRM is a group for business leaders. Our presenters speak on various topics related to HR,

Employment Law, Business, Safety, and Wellness.

Welcome New Members!

Sauk Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce“Super Bowl”

January 30, 2015

Business Name: Contact Person:

Phone Number: Email:

□ YES! I would like to sponsor a lane $100 □ YES! I will donate a door prize

Bowling includes: 3 games of Scottish Doubles, “Taste of Sauk Prairie Tailgate” food, 2 drink tickets - $25 per person. If you don’t have enough for a team, we can put you with someone else!

Team 1 - Name of your Team: Shift Preference

Players: Partner with: 5:45 7:00 8:15

Partner with:

Team 2- Name of your Team: Shift Preference

Players: Partner with: 5:45 7:00 8:15

Partner with:

Team 3 - Name of your Team: Shift Preference

Players: Partner with: 5:45 7:00 8:15

Partner with:

Team 4 - Name of your Team: Shift Preference

Players: Partner with: 5:45 7:00 8:15

Partner with:

Non Bowlers: $15 (includes “Tastes of Sauk Prairie Tailgate” food, 2 drink tickets)

Number of Bowlers & Partners: x $25 ea =

Number of Non Bowlers: x $15 ea =

Lane Sponsor: x $100 ea =

Total Enclosed

Return by mail: Sauk Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce | 109 Phillips Boulevard | Sauk City, WI 53583Return by Fax: 608.643.3544 | Return by Email: spacc@saukprairie.com | Questions 608.643.4168

Richards HR Solutions 1 12/29/2014 Legislative Update

Richards Benefits and Financial Services Legislative Update By Steve Nepstad, Human Resources Consultant December 29, 2014 EMPLOYER’S PAYMENT OF INDIVIDUAL MARKET COVERAGE There is still confusion among employers on the question of whether employers may pay employees for health coverage purchased on the individual market. Federal agencies issued guidance in 2013 followed by an FAQ in 2014 that made it clear that such payments to employees may no longer be made on a pre-tax basis. While reimbursement for premiums for “excepted benefits” such as hospital indemnity, cancer, dental or vision plans, are allowed, individual market health plan premiums are clearly excluded from pre-tax treatment. What about after-tax payments to employees? Employers do have options for providing funds to employees to cover individual market premiums on an after-tax basis, but there are rules associated with this as well. For example, HIPAA’s nondiscrimination provisions would probably be violated if an employer singled out an unhealthy individual and offered a choice between coverage under the plan or additional taxable cash. In addition, employers may not make non-taxable payments contingent upon the employee actually enrolling in outside coverage. If taxable dollars are paid, an employer can only hope that they enroll in coverage. More details may be found in Notice 2013-54 (link below) http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-13-54.pdf BENEFIT PLAN LIMITS - 2015 VERSUS 2014 RETIREMENT PLAN LIMITS 2015 2014 Annual compensation limit for calculating contributions $265,000 $260,000

401(k), 403(b) & 457(b) before-tax contributions $18,000 $17,500

Catch-up contributions - 50 or older $6,000 $5,500

Highly compensated employee pay threshold $120,000 $115,000

Key employee officer compensation threshold $170,000 $170,000

Defined benefit plan annual benefit & accrual limit $210,000 $210,000

Defined contribution plan annual contribution limit $53,000 $52,000

ESOP limit for determining the lengthening of the general 5-year distribution period

$210,000 $210,000

ESOP limit for determining the maximum account balance subject to the general 5-year distribution period

$1,070,000 $1,050,000

SMOKEY HOLLOWsummer day camp program

Day-Camping “OH” What FUN!

Check us out online. Registration forms can be downloaded or give us a call, send an email to request registration forms. Creating, teaching and leading tomorrow’s future in a

“positive” motion.

Disclaimer:“This is not a school sponsored activity and the local school system does not provide support or endorsement of this program/activity.It has neither reviewed nor approved the program, personnel, or activities announced in the brochure. Permission to distribute this brochure must not be considered a recommendation or endorsement by the school district.”

Creating Positive Attitudeswith Summer Fun & Friends!

608-635-4805 www.smokeyhollowdaycamp.com

Bus Service Provided: DeForest • Waunakee • Middleton – Local & State Adventures

email: camp@smokeyhollowdaycamp.com W9935 McGowan Rd • PO Box 18 • Lodi, WI 53555

Ages 3-11; Adventure Teen Camp - ages 12-14; Themed Weekly Events, Day Trips, On-Site Excitement, Arts & Crafts, Group Games, Fitness & Recreation, Swim Zone, Sandy Beach, Water Toys, Overnight Fun & So Much More!

Playground, Skate Park, Dunk Tank, Water Wars , Volleyball, Basketball, Space Ball, Bikes & Trykes, Jumping Pillow, Mini Putt, Smokey Hollow Tram, Pumpkin Coach, Giant Shopping Cart

Board of Directors 2014:

Executive Committee:President:Dave O’Brien — 643-7980 Culver Franchising System, Inc.

President Elect: Peter van der Hagen — 643-5466 Edward Jones Investments

Vice President:Paul Fiscus — 643-3383 Maplewood Sauk Prairie

Treasurer:Kari Apel — 643-2700 Apel Associates, Inc.

Past President:Amy Ryan — 643-3311 Sauk Prairie Healthcare

Executive Director:Tywana German — 643-4168

Directors:

Shawna Alt — 393-1820 First Weber Group

Ken Carlson — 643-3311 Sauk Prairie Healthcare

Julie Coquard — 643-6515 Wollersheim Winery

Chris Dunn — 432-9376 BirdDog Graphics, Print, & Packings, LLC

Andrea Gavol — 643-8530 Mueller Sports Medicine

Tim Homar — 370-7475 Geier Homar & Roy LLP

Rauel LaBreche — 643-3321 McFarlanes’

Greg Mauch — 643-8553 Ballweg Family of Dealerships

Marietta Reuter — 643-5463 Tools of Marketing

Just as a reminder:

Chamber committees meet at the Chamber office

Board of Directors meet the third Thursday of every month at 8:30 am

Ambassadors meet the fourth Tuesday of the month at 8:00 am

Promotions Committee meet the first Thursday of every month at 8:00 am

Economic Development meets the second Friday of the month at 8:00 am