8
May 2015 n Volume 38 n Issue 5 FOND DU LAC AREA ASSOCIATION OF COMMERCE Promoting commerce n Developing partnerships n Creating opportunities n Building community For the past eight months, young leaders from eight area high schools have gathered together for daylong sessions to discover all that Fond du Lac is and can be and to develop the leadership potential within each and every one of them. To celebrate this journey and commemorate this accomplishment, the students were recognized by their families, peers and business leaders for their participation in the program. “Youth Leadership Fond du Lac has provided me with many opportunities,” said Jennifer Zimdahl, a junior at Campbellsport High School. “It was through these opportunities that I was able to gain a better understanding of my community’s framework and everything it has to offer. And I now know just how unique of place I live in.” As a component of the ceremony, students announced the completion of their community project. The class chose to mentor 4K students from the Fond du Lac School District. From sharing a story to getting crafty, participants were able to make a difference and learn from the experience. “Youth Leadership Fond du Lac was an amazing experience for me,” said Molly Kluever, a junior at St. Mary’s Springs Academy. “Whether it was sitting in the legislative chambers at the City/County Building, dragging a fire hose through a hallway, or reading to a little four-year-old, the opportunities provided were irreplaceable. Youth Leadership expanded my definition of a leader to unthinkable proportions.” Youth Leadership Fond du Lac, a program of the AC, was created in 2006 to provide information and experience to high school juniors who are interested in learning about their community. Teens who are nominated and accepted learn about local institutions and issues and execute a group project that will benefit the community. The program is operated at no cost to the students and supported through corporate and private donations and grants. If you would like more information about the Youth Leadership Fond du Lac program, please contact Lesley Manowske at (920) 921-9500. Youth Leadership Fond du Lac graduates future leaders Jacob Baker, St. Mary's Springs Academy Alexandria Callaway, Winnebago Lutheran Academy Haley Cole, Lomira High School Levi Feucht, Campbellsport High School Hannah Flury, Oakfield High School Noah Giebel, Horace Mann High School Luke Holzmann, St. Mary's Springs Academy Daniel Ihrig, Laconia High School Molly Kluever, St. Mary's Springs Academy Kurt Mueller, St. Mary's Springs Academy Allison Opheim, Laconia High School Alyssa Sabel, Oakfield High School Erica Schwartz, Horace Mann High School Tessa Schwersinske, Horace Mann High School Mollie Tennessen, Fond du Lac High School Kassidy Veness, Fond du Lac High School Hunter Waller, Horace Mann High School Adrianna Wegner, Laconia High School Jennifer Zimdahl, Campbellsport High School Sadie Zuelsdorf, Oakfield High School Ameriprise Financial Services Tom Harmsen Mike Kreuziger Christine Purser Mark Rasner 490 W Rolling Meadows Drive Fond du Lac, WI 54937 (920) 907-2990 www.ameriprise.com Blue Heron Ponds Apartments W6800 Blue Heron Blvd Fond du Lac, WI 54937 (920) 904-6526 www.bascodevelopment.com Menchies Frozen Yogurt 190 N Main Street Fond du Lac, WI 54935 (920) 828-1063 www.menchies.com Three Guys & a Grill at Trinity 40 E Division Street Fond du Lac, WI 54935 (920) 933-3424 www.threeguysandagrill.com WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! Strengthen our community by supporting these businesses: IMPORTANT NOTICE Effective May 1, 2015 the AC newsletter will transition to electronic only - available via e-mail and as a downloadable PDF on www.fdlac.com. To ensure you continue to receive this monthly publication call the AC at (920) 921-9500 or email [email protected]. Don't miss out on the latest AC news and information! Youth Leadership Fond du Lac Class of 2014-2015

WELCOME NEW Youth Leadership Fond du Lac · PDF fileto hold an internal drive ... realtors, places of worship, etc., and overall helping ... fundamental experience using Google Analytics

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

May 2015 n Volume 38 n Issue 5

FOND DU LAC AREA ASSOCIATION OF COMMERCE

Promoting commerce n Developing partnerships n Creating opportunities n Building community

For the past eight months, young leaders from eight area high schools have gathered together for daylong sessions to discover all that Fond du Lac is and can be and to develop the leadership potential within each and every one of them. To celebrate this journey and commemorate this accomplishment, the students were recognized by their families, peers and business leaders for their participation in the program.

“Youth Leadership Fond du Lac has provided me with many opportunities,” said Jennifer Zimdahl, a junior at Campbellsport High School. “It was through these opportunities that I was able to gain a better understanding of my community’s framework and everything it has to offer. And I now know just how unique of place I live in.”

As a component of the ceremony, students announced the completion of their community project. The class chose to mentor 4K students from the Fond du Lac School District. From sharing a story to getting crafty, participants were able to make

a difference and learn from the experience.“Youth Leadership Fond du Lac was an amazing

experience for me,” said Molly Kluever, a junior at St. Mary’s Springs Academy. “Whether it was sitting in the legislative chambers at the City/County Building, dragging a fire hose through a hallway, or reading to a little four-year-old, the opportunities provided were irreplaceable. Youth Leadership expanded my definition of a leader to unthinkable proportions.”

Youth Leadership Fond du Lac, a program of the AC, was created in 2006 to provide information and experience to high school juniors who are interested in learning about their community. Teens who are nominated and accepted learn about local institutions and issues and execute a group project that will benefit the community. The program is operated at no cost to the students and supported through corporate and private donations and grants. If you would like more information about the Youth Leadership Fond du Lac program, please contact Lesley Manowske at (920) 921-9500.

Youth Leadership Fond du Lac graduates future leaders

Jacob Baker, St. Mary's Springs AcademyAlexandria Callaway, Winnebago Lutheran AcademyHaley Cole, Lomira High SchoolLevi Feucht, Campbellsport High SchoolHannah Flury, Oakfield High SchoolNoah Giebel, Horace Mann High SchoolLuke Holzmann, St. Mary's Springs AcademyDaniel Ihrig, Laconia High SchoolMolly Kluever, St. Mary's Springs AcademyKurt Mueller, St. Mary's Springs Academy

Allison Opheim, Laconia High SchoolAlyssa Sabel, Oakfield High SchoolErica Schwartz, Horace Mann High SchoolTessa Schwersinske, Horace Mann High SchoolMollie Tennessen, Fond du Lac High SchoolKassidy Veness, Fond du Lac High SchoolHunter Waller, Horace Mann High SchoolAdrianna Wegner, Laconia High SchoolJennifer Zimdahl, Campbellsport High SchoolSadie Zuelsdorf, Oakfield High School

Ameriprise Financial ServicesTom HarmsenMike KreuzigerChristine PurserMark Rasner

490 W Rolling Meadows DriveFond du Lac, WI 54937(920) 907-2990www.ameriprise.com

Blue Heron Ponds ApartmentsW6800 Blue Heron BlvdFond du Lac, WI 54937(920) 904-6526www.bascodevelopment.com

Menchies Frozen Yogurt190 N Main StreetFond du Lac, WI 54935(920) 828-1063www.menchies.com

Three Guys & a Grill at Trinity40 E Division StreetFond du Lac, WI 54935(920) 933-3424www.threeguysandagrill.com

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! Strengthen our community by supporting these businesses:

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Effective May 1, 2015 the AC newsletter will transition to electronic only - available via e-mail and as a downloadable PDF on www.fdlac.com. To ensure you continue to receive this monthly publication call the AC at (920) 921-9500 or email [email protected].

Don't miss out on the latest AC news and information!

Youth Leadership Fond du Lac Class of 2014-2015

Page 2 n May 2015 n www.fdlac.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Register at www.fdlac.com or call (920) 921-9500

MAY COMMITTEE MEETINGS7 YPF Programs and Events 7:30 a.m.

HR Board @ Lutheran Homes 8 a.m.12 YPF Membership Noon

14 YPF Marketing @ wisnet.com 7:30 a.m.

Ag Board

15 AC Exec 7 a.m.

20 Ambassadors Club 7:30 a.m.

Ag Ambassadors Noon

21 YPF Executive 7:30 a.m.22 AC Board 7 a.m.27 Communications Council 7:30 a.m.28 YPF Board 4 p.m.

Coffee Connection May 6

Hosted By: Adecco (928 S Main Street Suite 400)Time: 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.

Morning networking at its best! Join us as we check out AC member business: Adecco Staffing At Adecco in Fond du Lac, not only do they know the local job market inside and out, but they also give you access to more Fond du Lac jobs at more companies than anyone else. The recruitment professionals at your local Adecco make it their mission to provide superior service through best-in-class job matching and career development. So whether you're seeking a temporary role or a more permanent position, Adecco is here to help you find the right job in Fond du Lac at the right company.

Cost: $5 and 2 Business Cards Deadline to Register: May 5

Business Connection May 19

Hosted By: Hierl Insurance(325 Trowbridge Drive)Time: 5 - 7 p.m.

It’s a “home game” at Hierl Insurance Inc! Join us for the season’s first “Tailgate Party" – complete with networking, a great menu and an opportunity to win terrific a “tailgate” give away that includes Brewer Tickets!

In addition to hosting the AC Business Connection, Hierl is also sponsoring a month long food drive to support the Fondy Food Pantry. Area businesses are encouraged to hold an internal drive – call Hierl for pick up options or drop off your donation anytime before May 19 at their new location on Trowbridge Drive. Let’s hit it out of the park for the Fondy Food Pantry!

A third generation family owned business, Hierl's goal is to provide you “Peace of Mind in a Risky World.” Since 1919, Hierl Insurance has earned the trust of more than 250 Wisconsin employers by using insight and innovative technology to create unique strategies that protect business owners, their employees and their budgets. Its mission is to provide our clients with the wisdom and tools necessary to build a more engaged, productive and loyal workforce. With locations in Fond du Lac and Appleton, Hierl's expertise in employee benefits, commercial insurance, human resources and wellness creates a great business team!

Cost: $5 and 2 Business Cards Deadline to Register: May 18

HR Program: Leadercast LiveDate: Friday, May 8Time: 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.Location: Oshkosh Community Church(2351 Ryf Road Oshkosh, WI)Cost: $100 - To register visit http://leadercast.com/location/oshkosh

Join the Fond du Lac Area HR Association, in partnership with the Oshkosh SHRM chapter and Fox Valley Cru, and take part in Leadercast Live!

Leadercast Live is a one-day leadership event broadcast LIVE from Atlanta to hundreds of locations around the world on May 8, 2015. Leadercast exists to positively change the way the world thinks about leadership. Join the Fond du Lac HR Association and the Oshkosh SHRM Chapter and Fox Valley Cru and experience this great event!

This year's theme – The Brave Ones – Brave leaders disrupt industries through innovation, stand firm in the face of opposition and embrace risk. Join Fond du Lac's best leaders at Leadercast Live (Oshkosh) – be inspired by those who demonstrate bravery and leave equipped to take on your next leadership challenge.

YPF: Aspiring Servant LeadersDate: Tuesday, May 5Time: 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.Location: Holiday Inn Fond du LacYPF EARLY BIRD PRICING: $50 - Register now and save! Early Bird Pricing is available to the first 25 YPF registrants (courtesy of Verve, a Credit Union).

Hosted by the Sophia Foundation, the Aspiring Servant Leaders Conference offers a unique and engaging learning experience. Attendees will be inspired to seize the opportunities and explore questions relevant to "real-life" leadership. From group discussions and idea sharing, attendees can expect to develop new insights and learning from the collective experience.

Program Details:• Breakfast• 3 Successful Servant Leaders share

case studies from their organizations• World Cafe format

Why should you attend?• Professional Development• Networking• Real-life application of leadership

principles• Engaged Learning

Who should attend?• Business, Non-profit, Faith,

Government and Community Leaders• Emerging Leaders

AC GOLF OUTINGMonday, July 13 │ South Hills Golf and Country Club

Stay tuned for more information!

SAVE THE DATE!

SAVE THE DATE!

BREAKFAST ON THE FARM

Sunday, June 28, 2015Michels Farms

N11805 Butternut Road, Lomira, WI8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Tickets available June 1, 2015

Page 3 n May 2015 n www.fdlac.com

The transition of incoming executive, key staff or professional staff and families for primary employers in Fond du Lac County will be made easier through a new program called Community Connect (CoCo). This is a joint venture between the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation’s M.O.R.E. Business existing business program and Fond du Lac Works – the workforce development initiative of the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce. It is intended to assist in attracting talent to the County and to provide quick immersion into the community.

To make this all happen, a number of local individuals and families (hosts) will provide information that will be placed in a database on size of family, ages, likes and dislikes, hobbies, interests, etc. The incoming individual or family will provide the same information and a match will be determined. The data will then be matched and introductions made.

The host family or individual will commit to being a partner family or individual for a period of one year. This relationship could start prior to the newcomers’ actual move to Fond du Lac County. Responsibilities will include introducing the incoming families or individuals to community leaders, recommending or helping them find doctors, dentists, realtors, places of worship, etc., and overall helping

them make this area their home. Depending on each newcomers experience, the commitment could end before the year if the incoming family or individual feels that it is no longer necessary.

If you are interested in participating in this initiative, we want to hear from you! Applications to be a host individual or family can be accessed at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CoCoFDL.

For more information contact FCEDC president Steve Jenkins, CEcD, at (920) 929-2928 or [email protected].

Community Connect (CoCo) Executive Transition Program announced

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? • Marketing professionals and business owners who have

fundamental experience using Google Analytics and want to take advantage of its capabilities to improve business results. Some experience in online marketing is desirable but not essential.

• Anyone looking to make data-driven decisions about their digital marketing, even if you're brand new to web analytics.

• Executives looking for an understanding of the capabilities of the tool as well as a good primer on the process, reporting and conversions.

• Technical team members looking to coordinate with marketing efforts.

• The "Doers" - anyone looking for a little more hands on training in execution, reporting and what's coming next.

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING? • Laptop or Tablet - This workshop will be hands-on.• Access to your organization’s Google Analytics account (if

applicable).

WORKSHOP AGENDA8 - 8:30 a.m. (Registration) 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. - Intro to Google Analytics and Universal Analytics (including Account Creation, Access and Permissions)9:30 - 10:15 a.m. - Understanding Dimensions and Metrics10:15 - 10:30 a.m. (Morning Break)10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. - A Report Tour and Event Tracking12 - 12:30 p.m. (Lunch Break)12:30 - 1:30 p.m. - Goals, Funnels and Conversions1:30 - 2 p.m. - Campaign Tracking and Traffic Sources2 - 2:30 p.m. - Google Analytics Q&A (or) Google Tag Manager2:30 - 2:45 p.m. (Afternoon Break)2:45 - 4 p.m. - Search Engine Optimization

SEO AND ANALYTICS: Data-driven Decisions for Digital

ACUniversity (ACU)

DATE: Wednesday, May 27 TIME: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.LOCATION: Holiday Inn Fond du LacCOST: $125 AC Members; $150 General AdmissionPRESENTER: Becky Vardaman, Converge ConsultingRSVP: By Friday, May 22 (Pre-registration required: 920.921.9500www.fdlac.com │[email protected])

In order to understand the effectiveness of your web content, it is imperative to actively review and analyze your website traffic. But how do you make sense of it all, let alone use analytic data to make decisions and develop strategy? Find out with ACUniversity (ACU)! You are invited to join Becky Vardaman and Converge Consulting for this daylong workshop on getting the most out of your Google Analytics reporting and improving your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts.

Becky Vardaman, VP of Strategy at Converge Consulting will lead this ACU workshop focused on beginning and intermediate level content related to Google Analytics. The workshop will blend facilitator-led presentation, training with hands-on opportunities and provide ample opportunities for question-and-answer sessions.

Page 4 n May 2015 n www.fdlac.com

LEADERSHIP FOND DU LAC

APPLYTODAY

Are your leaders ready? Being a great leader is more than intuition. It’s education.Leadership Fond du Lac will help your employees help your business.

Who do you want to make decisions that have direct impact on your ability to conduct business?

Does your budget include Leadership Fond du Lac?

Download the application

at www.fdlac.com or call (920) 921-9500.

Application Deadline: June 3, 2015

Leadership Fond du Lac is designed to assist in the preparation of a strong, diverse group of leaders qualified to represent the Fond du Lac community and willing to make responsible decisions affecting both the public and private sectors.

Participants connect with others on a higher level and bring their new-found skills back to your organization.

Make a difference for your company, your team and for Fond du Lac. Select a team member to apply for Leadership Fond du Lac today!

For additional program information contact Lesley Manowske, Director of Leadership Fond du Lac.

Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce ǀ 207 N Main Street, Fond du Lac WI ǀ (920) 921-9500 ǀ www.fdlac.com ǀ [email protected]

A division of the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce.

Page 5 n May 2015 n www.fdlac.com

Agri-Business Council awards scholarships

The Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce Agri-Business Council is pleased to announce the winners of three ag-based scholarships, including the Fond du Lac Area Foundation Harold Reinecke Scholarship.

Three talented young individuals pursuing degrees in agricultural fields were awarded scholarships based on academics as well as financial need.

The recipient of the Fond du Lac Area Foundation Harold Reinecke Scholarship is Alex Costello of Fond du Lac, son of Greg and Tari Costello. Costello will attend the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in the fall to pursue an agri-business degree in animal science. Costello plans to continue in the poultry industry.

Two $500 Agri-Business Council Scholarships were awarded to Courtney McCourt of St. Cloud, daughter of Peter McCourt; and Brittani Owens of Fond du Lac, daughter of Janet Owens Graham.

McCourt is currently studying at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, pursing a degree in dairy science. She hopes to obtain a Ph. D and become a dairy consultant.

Owens will attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison to study food science. She would like to work in the food industry as a food scientist.

OF THE MONTHLeadership Fond du Lac Alumni Group Professional Development Series:

Using Generational Differences to Unlock the Power of Organizations

Wednesday, October 14, 2015South Hills Golf & Country Club

7:30 a.m. Breakfast │ 8 - 9:30 a.m. Workshop$50/person │ $360/corporate table (8 attendees, $45 each)

Presenter: Jim Olson, Detective for the Milwaukee Police Department and master presenter for Leadership in Police Organizations (LPO).

Detective Olson has provided leadership training to all levels of organizations and travels extensively presenting information on multigenerational topics. This program will focus on the uniqueness of generations in the workplace and will provide valuable information for attendees to implement and benefit from immediately.

The Leadership Fond du Lac Alumni Group is committed to providing development opportunities to Leadership Fond du Lac participants, graduates and community members. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Youth Leadership Fond du Lac program.

SAVE THE DATE10.14.15

Name: Jenna Floberg │ Home Town: Ladysmith, WI

Where do you work, what is your current position and what do you like most about it? I am currently the assistant administrator at St. Francis Home, a member of Agnesian HealthCare. What I enjoy most about my job are the relationships I have been able to build with our team and with our residents. The residents are why I come to work every day. They have so much life yet to live and are so rich with history. They turn any bad day into a good day.

What has YPF done for your personal and/or professional development? YPF has offered me so many opportunities to get involved and really feel like a part of this community even though I've only lived here for two and a half years. Through my participation on YPF committees and event planning I have been able to collaborate with multiple area businesses and see all that Fond du Lac has to offer.

What are some of the professional and volunteer groups you participate in? I am currently a Fellow within I-LEAD, which is a leadership academy through Leading Age Wisconsin, our long term care advocacy association. Through this program I am learning about my own leadership style, how to empower those I lead and how to be an innovator and visionary.

What is your favorite thing to do in the Fond du Lac area? I have enjoyed being out on Lake Winnebago with friends whether it be for sturgeon spearing or kayaking and fishing in the summer.

What words of wisdom do you have for other young professionals working in Fond du Lac? Be authentic and be yourself. As young professionals I think we are hard on ourselves and try to fit this mold of what a "professional" should look like and act like. Don't try to be the person you think other people want you to be otherwise you'll never know the type of leader you truly are.

(Visit www.ypfdl.org to read more.)

Claim your free listing on Save Local Now and drive more customers to your business

The AC’s “Buy Local” initiative is powered by Save Local Now, the most powerful digital marketing platform for local business. Save Local Now (SLN) is a great place to gain visibility and create deals, events and promotions for your business. As it stands, your SLN business profile only includes the most basic information like your business name, phone number and website.

This won’t cut it. If you haven’t already, make sure to claim your business and update your business profile. First, find your business profile by searching on savelocalnow.com. When you are viewing your profile, click on the “claim your business now” link. It’s that easy. If you have any questions, contact the AC at (920) 921-9500!

Page 6 n May 2015 n www.fdlac.com

Lomira

Raise a glass to support our young

entrepreneurs on Saturday,

May 2!

Project G.R.I.L.L. UnveilingFriday, May 15 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Festival Foods Parking Lot - 1125 E Johnson St FREE (Brat Fry to benefit Project G.R.I.L.L. Program)

FREE and open to the public! Student creativity and hands-on manufacturing lessons combine to produce one-of-a-kind and sometimes unexpected charcoal grills. Nine high school technical education departments have been paired with nine area manufacturers throughout the school year, with the task of designing and building a working charcoal grill from scratch. The 7th Annual Project G.R.I.L.L. Unveiling will showcase a school year’s worth of teen-aged enthusiasm and know-how!

For more information visit www.fdlac.com!

3rd Annual Bike Rodeo Saturday, May 2 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

YMCA/Boys & Girls Club Parking Lot - 90 W 2nd StFREE (Kids, don’t forget your bikes!)

The Fond du Lac Area Safety Council is proud to host the

3rd Annual Bike Rodeo as part of the Fond du Lac YMCA's free Community Block Party. The Rodeo is a bicycle safety clinic focused on cycling safety for young cyclists (Kindergarten to 14). Participants will practice and develop skills that will help them to become better bicyclists. The event will feature bike safety and fit checks, helmet fitting, bike skills training and much more!

For more information visit www.fdlac.com!

The AC in the community...Don’t miss these events!

Visit fonddulacarea.lemonadeday.org for map and more info!

WHENSaturday, May 2, 2015

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

WHERE29 Lemonade stands

will be setup thoughout Fond du Lac and Lomira

WHATLemonade Day in Fond du Lac is the perfect opportunity for our

community to show kids it cares and train the next generation of entrepreneurs

through a free, fun, engaging and empowering activity.

Page 7 n May 2015 n www.fdlac.com

Bank of Oakfield accelerates small business lending process

Bank of Oakfield and financial services technology company SmartBiz, recently announced a partnership to bring its online SBA loan program to Bank of Oakfield’s small business customers. In as little as 20 minutes, small business owners can now use the SmartBiz loan application platform on Bank of Oakfield’s website to apply for a low-interest SBA loan of $5,000 to $150,000—and receive funding as fast as seven business days after the application is complete.

SmartBiz (www.smartbizloans.com) is the original fully-online, automated SBA loan program for loans under $150,000. The program offers 6% to 8% interest rates, an easy application process and a speedy decision to qualifying businesses in all 50 states. With longer repayment terms, low monthly payments and no penalty for early payoff, SmartBiz lets small business owners keep more of their profit in-house to invest in growing a solid, sustainable business.

“Small business is a major driver of economic health and growth in our community. We’re excited that our new partnership with SmartBiz will give these important customers a fast, easy way to apply for the loans they need,” said Ryan Kamphuis, president of Bank of Oakfield. “SmartBiz is a great addition to our online lineup of services including mobile banking and remote deposit designed to meet the needs of local businesses. We look forward to this partnership and bringing this additional service to the community.”

Compared to a traditional loan application process, SmartBiz’s real-time functionality eliminates a great deal of cost, time and paperwork. Its proprietary technology dramatically reduces the typical 60 to 90 day loan process and can often include instant pre-approval. Loans are made under the SBA’s 7(a) Program.

For more information about Bank of Oakfield’s SmartBiz program, contact Daniel Barnes, vice president of Bank of Oakfield at (920) 583-1325 or [email protected]. To learn more about the SmartBiz program, visit www.smartbizloans.com/bankofoakfield.

Horicon Bank promotes Leaman to vice president

Horicon Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Steve Leaman to vice president. Leaman grew up in the Oconomowoc area and after attending UW-Madison, began his career in banking as a bank manager in the Fox Valley. Later he was promoted to assistant vice president and senior bank manager in Fond du Lac before coming to Horicon Bank in 2011 to serve as a business banker in the Fond du Lac area.

True to the bank’s mission statement, Leaman says he has “been making lives better and more secure ever since.”

In addition to working in the Fond du Lac community, Leaman is an active member. He serves on several committees for Habitat for Humanity, teaches Junior Achievement classes, acts as a Fond du Lac United Way campaign captain, and is a member of the Noon Rotary. Leaman is currently the treasurer for both Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Cardinal Soccer Booster Club and is president of the Wisconsin Alumni Association – Fond du Lac Chapter. In addition, Leaman is actively involved in the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce as an Ambassador as well as a volunteer for Youth Leadership.

Horicon Bank has been serving the Fond du Lac community since 2005. In addition to serving a full selection of coffee products and beans, the Bank’s Blue Goose Coffee House, located right inside the office on East Johnson Street, offers a community space for local art displays and meetings.

The Spice Crate expands gift basket selection The Spice Crate has expanded their gift basket selection to

include gourmet food items, hand-mixed spices and blends, coffees and teas, pastas and sauces, chocolates and candies and more every day!

The Spice Crate specializes in client appreciation, employee recognition and closing gifts for customers and employees. Additionally, The Spice Crate offers free delivery to the Fond du Lac area, or customers can pick up their basket orders if they prefer to present it in person. Gift giving made easy - just name your gift price and The Spice Crate will do the rest - very quickly and very tastefully!

For more information visit The Spice Crate at 976 East Johnson Street or call (920) 933-5444 or email [email protected].

Staples Advantage offers exclusive perks It takes more than pens and paper clips to get your job done.

That’s why Staples Advantage® offers a growing selection of the products you rely on – including: coffee, snacks and cleaners; technology; facility and safety supplies; custom print materials; furniture and space planning and promotional products.

You’ll also get all the perks that come with the program, like exclusive discounts, consolidated invoicing, free delivery and easy online ordering. To learn more, contact Kevin Leurquin at Staples at (920) 217-8804 or [email protected]

Verve announces name change and merger with Two Rivers Community Credit Union

As part of a comprehensive rebranding initiative, CitizensFirst Credit Union has changed its name to Verve, a Credit Union.

Kevin J. Ralofsky, president and CEO of Verve, says Verve captures the unique personality of the credit union. “Our research was showing name confusion with other area financials, so we knew it was time to choose one to reflect the passionate, innovative work that sets us apart. We believe this new name speaks to our commitment to serving the community and our members. Our groundbreaking merger with Lakeview and Best Advantage created the perfect opportunity to rebrand and we now move forward with a name that stands for the enthusiasm, energy, passion and drive that we put to work every day along with a pursuit to improve technologies to support our services.”

A new spokesperson, Merv, will accompany the name change. According to Karrie Drobnick, chief marketing officer at CitizensFirst and director of the rebranding effort, Merv will bring a refreshing new tone to the credit union. “As a straight-talking spokesperson with all the right answers,” she said, “Merv represents our understanding of our members’ needs. It’s very exciting to work for an organization so committed to improving member experience and our new image reflects all that we do to meet our members at eye level.”

Additionally, in order to expand its area of service to the Manitowoc area, Verve, a Credit Union, will merge with Two Rivers Community Credit Union (TRCCU) in late fourth quarter of 2015. This merger is pending final approval from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Office of Credit Unions and the National Credit Union Association. The membership of TRCCU voted in favor of the proposed merger 46-0. TRCCU has one branch location, $7 million in assets and 700 members.

Verve, a Credit Union, is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with more than $580 million in assets and serving nearly 47,000 members at ten locations. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works or worships in 15 Wisconsin counties from Brillion to Fond du Lac. Membership is also open to employees of Kimberly-Clark Corp., Neenah Paper and the medical services industry and to the immediate family of any current member.

MEMBER NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

FORWARDFOND DU LAC

PHONE: (920) 921-9500

FAX: (920) 921-9559

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: WWW.FDLAC.COM

FOND DU LAC AREA ASSOCIATION OF COMMERCE

PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAIDFOND DU LAC, WI 54935

FORWARD FOND DU LAC (USPS 504-390) is published monthly for $2 by the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce, 207 N. Main St., Fond du Lac, WI 54935-3460. Periodical Postage Paid at Fond du Lac, WI.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce, 207 N. Main St., Fond du Lac, WI 54935-3460

Fond du Lac Business Barometer March 2015 2014 Building permits Monthly one-family homes / Year to date 0 / 2 1 / 3

Monthly one-family value / Year to date $ 0 / $ 324,000 $ 210,000 / $ 510,000 Monthly multiple units / Year to date 0 / 0 0 / 0 Monthly multiple units value / Year to date $ 0 / $ 170,000 $ 0 / $ 0 Monthly commercial industrial / Year to date 0 / 1 0 / 1 Monthly commercial industrial value / Year to date $ 0 / $ 109,500 $ 0 / $ 860,000

Employment* Number employed City / County 22,178 / 55,082 21,293 / 52,466 Number unemployed City / County 1,179 / 2,925 1,762 / 3,959 Percent unemployed City / County 5.0 / 5.0 7.6 / 7.0

Real estate transfers 86 67 Parking Utilities Revenues $ 25,425.30 $ 24,507.72 Sanitation permits (outside city) 17 4

* Results from February