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ChamberConnectionAugust2014
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Follow me on Twitter: @AaronWRCCprez
Change. It’s a good thing.And just like that, it’s August. I’m not quite sure where our summer went but mine has certainly flown by. I haven’t had enough time to fish, but the trade-offs have been worth it. My wife and I are settling into our new home here in the Wausau region, and we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our first child. (Talk about time flying by!) The changing of the calendar has me thinking about the many positive changes occurring in our region via the Chamber.
E3YPE3 Young Professionals (E3YP) is the newly launched workforce development initiative focusing on attracting and retaining young professionals (YPs) in the Wausau region. Led by area YPs, the group is focused on helping area businesses retain talent, reduce turnover costs, improve recruiting, and strengthening the Wausau region. The E3YP membership drive is now accepting corporate and individual memberships, and membership in the
From the President
Aaron Kapellusch
By Aaron Kapellusch
In this issue . . .• E3YP• Member News• Featured Member• Ambassador of the Month• Volunteer Spotlight• New Members• Ribbon Cuttings
organization is required by September 1st to participate in events. More details can be found on their website: e3yp.org. It is truly inspiring to watch tomorrow’s leaders in action today!
Annual MeetingAugust 31st marks the end of the Chamber’s 102nd year in business and this will be my first attendance at the Chamber’s Annual meeting. I’m very much looking forward to reviewing the past year and setting our sights on the future. We will welcome new Chamber Board members into the fold and bid adieu to others who have served the organization so well. The dedicated members of our Programs team have already begun working on the event and they’ve more than proved how skilled they are at putting together great Chamber events. It will be a great night and I can’t wait to see everyone there.
WAKE UP Wausau RegionThis exciting new monthly program will focus on connecting business professionals and community leaders. Business professionals, decision makers, heads of industry, and non-profits from across the region gathering together for networking and community information sharing. New Members of the Wausau Region Chamber will also be announced at this program. Join us beginning in September.
AmbassadorsThis long-standing group of volunteers is welcoming new Ambassadors to the team. Each new Ambassador has attended a training session focusing
www.wausauchamber.com
August 2014
(continued)
From the President
Member Stories - Here is where we would like to hear from you. • “Members Helping Members”: Tell your
own success story. These stories will be about members, like you, who have made business connections or sales with another WRCC member.
• “Member Success Stories”: Tell your business story and include what you have done to be successful in business; how you stayed in business for (X) number of years; how you support the economy.
Guidelines for submission: Stories must be 500 words or less. Here are some sug-gestions for content:• Business Start Date• Brief overview of your business• Explain how you have worked with other
Chamber members• How the WRCC has helped you grow• Any photos you have that go with the
story (as available)All of these are great ways for you to get additional exposure for your business!
FREE Business Exposure Opportunity - We Want to Hear from You!Share your story
Notes: 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
Wausau Daily Herald, Chamber marketing materials, The Business News and social media sites.
on how to serve our member businesses through understanding and utilizing Chamber benefits. Additionally, each new Ambassador is paired with a current Ambassador; and together they will reach out to members. This additional level of training will provide new Ambassadors with the first-hand experience of assisting members. Our members will be in great hands when they work with anyone from our Ambassador team. Look for new faces in red coats beginning in September!
Business AdvocacyLed by the Chamber’s Government Affairs Director, Sara Guild, our Business Advocacy Committee has been busy. The group has been working diligently to meet the goals of the Chamber’s 2014 Legislative Agenda.
In addition, their 2014-15 programs are being finalized. September will see the return of the favorite Coffee Talk series and a new mid-day program will kick-off in October. We encourage you to participate in Advocacy programs and are proud to bring you the opportunity to interact with people who influence public policy and let them know how it affects you. Be a part of supporting a pro-business environment in the region.
“The key to success is often the ability to adapt.” The Chamber team stands ready to support our members through their own changes in business and by adapting the tools we provide for the betterment of the entire region. As always, my door is open to you. That will never change.
www.wausauchamber.com
Please submit your stories/photos to Karen Nerison at [email protected].
If the answer is yes, then please join us in this exciting, dynamic and interactive sales training program that will not only help increase sales, but create value with client and business relationships that will continue to last after the first sale.
Would a 31% increase in sales impact your business?
Details of this behavioral transforming program include:• A 13-week comprehensive program offered in partnership with NTC
and the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce • A certified team of professionals leading you through this approach
to relationship based sales• Networking and dynamic learning from others in the course• Program created by the author of “Integrity Selling”, Ron Willingham
Topics include: • Client focused sales skills• Goal achievement• Activity management• Motivational intelligence
Course schedule to begin September 8 and conclude December 8, 2014.
Mark Borowicz Dean - Business and Industry Solutions Northcentral Technical College [email protected]: 715.803.1121C: 715.370.3189
Present
Aaron KapelluschPresident/CEOWausau Region [email protected]: 715.848.5946C: 715.889.0359
From Wausau region
student graduates
“My sales have grown to over 200% of my average sales prior to taking the course and I am consistently setting my goals higher and higher.”Ben - Implement Sales
“Wonderful sales system that within the 13 weeks, you get the opportunity to apply what you know and practice what you learn. Go from knowing to doing!” John – Insurance Sales
“The number of contacts I make each week has increased, as well as the purpose of those contacts. I expect to increase my sales by 100% next year.” Carl – Printing Sales
Program Cost The cost of the program is $1,850 per person and includes all materials.
For questions or to register for the Authentic Salesperson Course, please contact either Mark or Aaron.
E3YP
www.wausauchamber.com
YoungProfessionalsEngage. Empower. Excite.
Event ScheduleE3YP | On the Move
at Dale’s Weston Lanes
August 12, 2014 - 5:00 to 7:00 pm Enjoy a fun summer night with other young
professionals —light snacks, cash bar, and games.
E3YP | POWER of Self
August 20 - 11:30 am to 1:00 pm Northcentral Technical College, Wausau
September 2014All Future Programs and Events(Open to E3YP Members Only)
E3 Young Professionals (E3YP) Membership Drive in Full Swing!The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce (WRCC) created the E3 Young Professionals (E3YP) program after hearing our member businesses repeatedly say they need help retaining their young professionals in the region. WRCC’s new workforce development initiative is now seeking individual and corporate memberships along with sustaining partnerships to help make the program a resounding success.
“We are looking for business partners to help support E3YP, which in turn, will support our next generation of leaders throughout the Wausau Region,” stated Aaron Kapellusch, CEO of the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce. “It is imperative that young professionals find the resources they need to grow both professionally and socially in the Wausau region. E3YP is an important resource.”
To learn more about E3YP or to enroll, visit e3yp.org or you may also contact Amanda at [email protected] to learn more about how E3YP membership can benefit you and your business.
E3YP
Chamber membership is not required, but strongly encouraged. To learn more about E3YP or to enroll, visit e3yp.org.
Contact Amanda at [email protected] with any questions.
Individual and Corporate Memberships Available
Apply online at e3yp.org
Membership will be required to attend programs and events starting September 1.
YoungProfessionalsEngage. Empower. Excite.
Membership Information
Member News
www.wausauchamber.com
Behavioral Health Clinic has a new location. You can now find the clinic at 3600 Stewart Avenue, Suite B in Wausau. This move allows expanded space to provide our comprehensive mental health services such as psychotherapy, psychological testing and evaluations, and medication management to more members of our community. The new location will maintain our efforts to offer a professional, safe, and private environment to our clients.
G3 Industries is consolidating its Precision Machining and Turning Facility in Menomonee Falls into its corporate facility in Kronenwetter, creating 35 new job opportunities. The move will take place in planned steps through November 15. The G3 management team decided to make this move as a cost reduction measure. The consolidation provides monthly cost savings and the “soft” benefits of the consolidation are significant enough that the closure has become the only responsible option for the good of the company. To apply, send resumes to [email protected] or stop by and fill out an application at 1450 Don’s Way, Kronenwetter.
Globe University-Wausau is excited to introduce our new Financial Aid Manager, Chris Carlson. Before coming to Globe, Chris served in the United Stated Marine Corps from 1982 to 2002. Chris holds a B.S. in Business and a MBA from Upper Iowa University.
Management Recruiters of Wausau Inc. has been selected for the 2013 Best of Business Award by the Small Business Community Association. Being in business sets people apart from most ordinary people and the Small Business Community is dedicated to helping others understand that running a business is an obtainable goal. The Small Business Community recognizes and awards business owners because they often do not receive the recognition they deserve. Small Business Community 2013 Best
of Business Award holders are a valuable asset to their community and exemplify what makes small businesses great.
Students from DC Everest High School won the nation’s highest awards at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. Industry leaders recognized the students for their demonstrated excellence in 99 hands-on occupational and leadership contests. All contests are designed, run and judged by industry experts using industry standards. Top student winners received gold, silver and bronze medallions. Many also received prizes such as tools of their trade and/or scholarships to further their careers and education.
The Diagnostic & Treatment Center, a service of Marshfield Clinic and Ministry Health Care, is pleased to announce that its Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics Echocardiography Lab has been granted another three year term of accreditation in Echocardiography in the areas of Adult Transthoracic and Adult Stress by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC). Accreditation by the IAC means the Echocardiography Lab has undergone a thorough review of its operational and technical components by a panel of experts. The IAC grants accreditation only to those facilities that are found to be providing quality patient care, in compliance with national standards.
Ministry Saint Clare’s Hospital in Weston has been recognized for the ninth straight year as one of the nation’s Most Wired Hospitals according to the results of the 2014 Most Wired Survey, released in the July issue of Hospitals & Health Networks magazine. It is the only facility in north central Wisconsin to receive this recognition and is one of only 10 in Wisconsin to be named to the Most Wired.
Member News
www.wausauchamber.com
Ministry Medical Group Clinics in Weston, Rib Mountain and Merrill are offering student-athlete sports physicals for students entering grades six through eleven for the upcoming school year. During designated Sports Physical dates and times, Ministry Medical Group offers these examinations for $25 with all proceeds donated back to the participant’s schools. Over the past seven years, Ministry Medical Group’s Sports Physical Program has provided more than $25,000 to schools in Marathon and Lincoln Counties. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Weston/Rib Mountain: 715.393.3900, Merrill: 715-539-2350, or visit ministryhealth.org/sportsphysicals.
A young Wisconsin mother’s story about her addiction to smoking and its impact on her baby’s health was launched this month in a new ad for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) summer-long “Tips from Former Smokers’’ campaign. The emotional TV spot, launched in nearly every market in the United States this month, features Eau Claire mother Amanda Brenden whose daughter was born two months early at Ministry Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital with a dangerously low birth weight. She tells the nation her smoking addiction played a central role in her baby’s health problems that still plague her today, including asthma.
Registrations are now being accepted for the 5th Annual Kolten Care’s Golf Outing to be held at Indianhead Golf Course in Mosinee on Saturday, August 23. The event is hosted by 13-year old Kolten Craft and his family and benefits the Compassionate Care Fund of the Foundation of Ministry Saint Clare’s Hospital. Over the years, Kolten Care’s has raised more than $20,000 and provides much needed support for the Compassionate Care Fund which assists patients with food, transportation and medication needs they may have when they leave the hospital.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is celebrating 100 years of service to the families of Central Wisconsin. In honor of this historic milestone, Peterson/Kraemer will host a Centennial Celebration at their funeral home on August 17th. In addition to behind-the-scenes tours, refreshments and door prizes, they will unveil their contribution to the phenomenon, “Before I Die” project. Members of the community and thousands of people have pondered the question of what they want to accomplish in their lives before time runs out and have shared their aspirations and reflections via chalk “graffiti” on publicly displayed walls. Examples and background on the project can be found here: www.beforeidie.cc
www.wausauchamber.com
Member News
Ridgestone Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Erik Rajek to its SBA and USDA Commercial Lending Team as an Assistant Vice-President, Commercial Lending. Rajek will concentrate on providing diversified loan options to small and mid-sized businesses in Central and Northern Wisconsin. His loan production office is located in the Washington Square building in downtown Wausau. Ridgestone Bank is a national leader in SBA and USDA lending with primary locations in Brookfield, Wis. and Schaumburg, Ill.
River Valley Bank is proud to announce the company’s recent certification as a Platinum Million Dollar Lender by the USDA Rural Development Wisconsin State office. This means River Valley has utilized the government’s Rural Development Guaranteed Rural Housing (GRH) Program to assist many Wisconsin families in achieving their dream of homeownership. River Valley was a part of more than $486 million in GRH funding delivered in 2013 to Wisconsin homeowners resulting in over 3,900 home purchases.
Schenck is pleased to announce that Acquisition International, a global publisher of corporate finance news, has named Schenck M&A Solutions the Exit Planning Team of the Year in Wisconsin on its list of 2014 M&A Awards. The award winners were voted for by a global network of expert M&A professionals, advisors, clients, peers and industry insiders. The awards celebrate excellence in all areas of M&A, recognizing firms whose tireless efforts and unrivalled expertise have contributed to the dramatic increase in global M&A activity over the past year.
Jump On It, a new activity center equipped with bounce houses, arcade games, popcorn, snow cones and more, has opened in the Wausau Center Mall. It is located in the old Gap location and is available for
birthday party reservations as well as daily pay-to-play opportunities. “We want to give kids the option for a healthy indoor activity,” says Kaileah Koehler, owner of Jump On It. “The bounce houses are a fun way to get in 60 minutes of activity a day and more.”
Thirteen schools in the Wausau School District earned School of Merit and School of Distinction awards from the Wisconsin PBIS Network, a Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) funded initiative, for the tremendous work accomplished through the implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Franklin, Grant, Hawthorn Hills, Hewitt-Texas, Thomas Jefferson, G.D. Jones, Lincoln, Maine, Wausau Area Montessori, Rib Mountain, and Stettin Elementary Schools earned the School of Merit award. Enrich Excel Achieve Learning Academy (EEA) and Riverview Elementary School received the School of Distinction award.
Christine Kadonsky, a U.S. History teacher at Wausau West High School, was selected to attend three national teacher institutes this summer. For two weeks in June, she studied the Cold War aboard the U.S.S. Midway Museum in San Diego. In July, Kadonsky attended the C-SPAN Educators’ Conference in Washington, D.C., and also participated in the Teaching American History and Medal of Honor Legacy Program at the Freedoms Foundation in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The Village of Weston has launched a project to expand retail choices. As an active community with earning power and room to grow, the residents of Weston are eager to enhance their quality of life with new retail choices. To achieve this goal, the Village has partnered with The Retail Coach, a national retail recruitment and development consulting firm. “The Retail Coach is working with us to develop a
Member News
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solid plan for national franchise retail recruitments that is driven by market-based data,” said Weston Village Administrator Daniel Guild.
Village of Weston officials are excited to announce their participation in a partnership with other local area municipalities that are jointly partnering with the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) to bring a forum and reception on Retail Real Estate Business and Development to the region. ICSC’s Wisconsin Alliance Program - Retail Real Estate Business Development Forum and Reception will focus on the vital partnerships between the public and private sector that foster retail development within Wisconsin communities. Wilson-Hurd Mfg Co is marking 110 years of operation this summer. The founders, George Wilson
and Arthur Hurd, formed the business in the Wausau area in 1904. The factory initially produced patented bag holders for agricultural and industrial uses. The company later broadened its product offerings to include remembrance advertising and nameplates. A company celebration took place at Wilson-Hurd’s Wausau headquarters on June 26th to mark the achievement.
A new partner has been elected in the Wausau office of Wipfli LLP. Keith Koszarek is among a group of nine associates who were elected to the partnership this year in the firm. With more than 20 years of experience, Koszarek is the leader of Wipfli’s payroll services group and provides a range of business advisory services to clients, including temporary controllership and chief financial officer services.
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Marathon County Government is doing to make the county a great place to work, play, and live. The goal is to be
transparent and accountable to taxpayers.
Each quarter, we will bring you timely information about the issues being discussed and the goals being achieved by
Marathon County Government.
View the Summer 2014 issue and/or sign up today.
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Featured Member
Hearing is important. It empowers us and enriches our lives. Hearing enables us to work, interact, socialize, and communicate. Good hearing also helps keep us safe, warning us of potential danger or alerting us to someone else’s distress. Dr. Tim Kuhn knows how important hearing is to our lives. He is the owner of Kuhn Hearing Center in Schofield, WI and has served Central Wisconsin for the past 20 years as an independent audiologist.
Have you ever heard noises in your ears or head and wondered what they were or where they came from? Ear ringing, also known as tinnitus, is described as a phantom sound that is heard or perceived in the absence of any external sound signal. Approximately 10 – 15% of the population suffers from chronic tinnitus, which is defined as ear ringing that is present, at least intermittently, for six months or more.
Tinnitus can come in many forms and often differs from one person to the next. It has been described by patients as a whistling, hissing, roaring, or ringing. Some have even reported hearing music in their ears. This phenomenon is known as an auditory hallucination.
If tinnitus occurs for only a short while and soon disappears again it is called acute or temporary tinnitus. This can occur after exposure to loud auditory stimuli such as a music concert or gun fire. However, for others the ear ringing is more permanent and is present on a daily basis. For most it is only a minor irritant but for some it can become bothersome and even begin to interfere with their quality of life. Some patients might even be told by their doctor or primary care provider that their tinnitus is untreatable. This can make the patient
feel isolated and as if no one can understand what they are going through. However, people who suffer from tinnitus do not need to feel this way. There are many options available to address and cope with the problem and potentially alleviate the discomfort or annoyance that tinnitus sufferers feel.
Tinnitus is most commonly, but not always, associated with hearing loss. Over 90% of people with tinnitus are also affected by hearing impairment. Generally the greater the hearing loss the more likely one is to experience tinnitus. Tinnitus may also be caused from jaw dysfunction like temporal mandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) or teeth grinding. Alternatively, it may be caused by chronic neck muscle strain, certain medications and chemotherapy.
If you suffer from ringing in your ears or noises in your head, where do you begin to find help? The answer is to contact an audiologist. An audiologist is a doctor of audiology who has extensive training in hearing and hearing-related disorders. He or she would be the most qualified to start you on the path to managing your tinnitus. As indicated previously, 90% of all tinnitus patients suffer from some degree of hearing loss. Dr. Kuhn has found that many of the patients who have enough hearing loss to warrant the use of hearing aids find relief from simply using amplification. The increased sound they get from hearing again relieves their ear ringing symptoms approximately 60% to 70% of the time. Most hearing aids now also contain maskers or noise makers that can cover up or deflect attention away from the ear noises.
Other tinnitus sufferers might need to simply change certain habits such as diet and exercise,
When You’ve Heard EnoughBy Dr. Tim Kuhn, Kuhn Hearing Center
(continued)
Featured Member
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while for perhaps 10% of tinnitus sufferers, more intensive therapy may be required. There are audiologists, clinics and companies that specialize in this type of advanced therapy. So when you’ve finally heard enough ringing in your ears to be ready to do something about it, contact your local audiologist to start addressing your problem, finding relief and taking control of your life and what you hear again.
When You’ve Heard Enough (continued)By Dr. Tim Kuhn, Kuhn Hearing Center
Ambassador of the Month
JoAnn Draeger
JoAnn Draeger
The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that JoAnn Draeger is the August 2014 Ambassador of the Month. JoAnn has been serving Chamber members as an Ambassador for more than 13 years.
JoAnn stated her favorite part about being an Ambassador is helping Chamber members establish business contacts which helps their company grow and be successful. “Many times when talking to new members, they have needs for their business and don’t know who or what company to contact. It is fun for me to introduce them to that person so they aren’t uncomfortable making that call on their own. Attending ribbon cuttings helps me meet new members in our community and learn what products or services they provide. I immediately start thinking about who I can refer to them to help their business be successful.”
As Vice President of Client Services at Nicolet National Bank, JoAnn manages a private banking portfolio of individuals with high-net worth. In addition, as a Mortgage Specialist, she assists customers in identifying products and services that fulfill their mortgage needs. She works with a customer from start to finish, through a variety of mortgage scenarios - including purchasing a new home, refinancing an existing home loan, construction, and more. JoAnn also participates in many community events to increase Nicolet National Bank’s visibility and to enhance new and existing business opportunities. Serving others through her business and the Chamber is a way of life for JoAnn.
Congratulations, JoAnn, and thank you for your continued work with our members!
Hearing enables us to work, interact, socialize, and communicate.
Volunteer Spotlight
www.wausauchamber.com
Cory Heckendorf
Cory Heckendorf is a Chamber volunteer and the Wausau Branch Manager for Wisconsin Kenworth. He began his career by enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1997 and was on active duty till 2002, during which he spent time in Oklahoma plus three years in Germany. When his active duty was completed, he began his civilian career as a second shift technician with Wisconsin Kenworth. In 2004, within four months, the company moved him up to the second shift “fill-in” foreman position. In 2008, he became first shift foreman. Then in 2008 he became the Service Manager, which is where he began learning more about management. In February of 2013, he had the privilege of being named the Wausau Branch Manager. Cory and his wife currently live with their daughter in his hometown of Wausau.
In addition to his work, Cory has been very active with the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce (WRCC) for over a year. He recently graduated from the WRCC Leadership Excellence program, which inspired him to become a member of the Business Advocacy Committee (BAC). His appreciation of the various Advocacy-in-Action and Coffee Talk programs led him to recently join the BAC Programs subcommittee. He is also on the E3 Young Professionals (E3YP) steering committee, where he is actively working with other young professional volunteers to help launch this great new initiative.
As a WRCC volunteer, Cory has met several people through his interactions with other members who have helped him grow both personally and professionally. His experience has been an eye-opener, revealing just how much WRCC does for the community. He enjoys helping WRCC with their goals of growing the greater Wausau region. It makes him feel he is part of something bigger and making a mark on the community he lives in. He has lived in the Wausau region for most of his life and strives to pass on a great community to his daughter and others.
www.wausauchamber.com
New MembersPlease Help Us Welcome These New Members
Blessings in a Backpack DC Everest.WausauMargaret PingPO Box 475Schofield, WI 54476715-298-1915
Olive Garden - Wausau #1864Angela Perry3650 Rib Mountain DrWausau, WI 54401715-355-5276
Ski’s Meat Market - WausauCraig Wolf4516 Rib Mountain DrWausau, WI 54401715-870-2136 If you would like information on the benefits of joining the Chamber please contact Heather Martell at [email protected] or 715-848-5951.
Ribbon Cuttings/Ground Breakings
An excellent way to promote your business when you:
Break ground on a new facility - Move to a new location - Remodel your existing facility
Contact Heather Martell at the Chamber to schedule your event. 715-848-5951 or [email protected]
Lil’ Ole Winemaker Shoppe602 Jefferson St, Wausau
715-845-6170
Ribbon Cuttings
www.wausauchamber.com
Jump On It B-236 Wausau Center Mall, Wausau
715-370-3384
