03.2012 \\ portage county, wisconsin

Ignite Leadership Network of Portage County welcomed more than 90 people at its official kick-off event “igNITE at the Museum” on February 16 at the Scarabocchio Art Museum in downtown Stevens Point.

The Ignite program is available through a partnership between the Portage County Business Council Foundation and United Way of Portage County and is open to young, or sufficiently young at heart, professionals in Portage County who are seeking networking, professional development, and community involvement opportunities. It is also a great way for members to meet like-minded individuals.

“I recently moved to the area and was looking for a way to get more involved with the community and meet more people,” said Eva Donohoo, Assistant to the Dean for Marketing and Communications at the UW-Stevens Point College of Professional Studies. “The connections I’ve made at Ignite networking and social events are already paying off in my career and I look forward to building upon those relationships.”

For more information please contact Sarah at 715-344-1940 or fdn@portagecountybiz.com \\\\\

upcoming EVENTS \\

SPAPSD School Board Candidate ForumFriday, March 9, 2012 \\ 7:30 am - 9:00 amportage county Business council, Foundation room5501 Vern Holmes Drive | stevens point, wi 54482

» REGISTER

American Agriculture Appreciation BanquetMonday, March 12, 2012 \\ 6:00 pm - 8:45 pmuwsp, Dreyfus university center - Laird room1015 reserve street | stevens point, wi 54481

» REGISTER

Small Business X-Changewednesday, March 14, 2012 \\ 7:30 am - 8:30 amportage county Business council, Foundation room5501 Vern Holmes Drive | stevens point, wi 54482

» REGISTER

2012 Judicial Candidate ForumFriday, March 16, 2012 \\ 7:30 am - 9:00 amportage county Business council, Foundation room5501 Vern Holmes Drive | stevens point, wi 54482

» REGISTER

Women in Businessthursday, March 22, 2012 \\ 11:15 am - 1:00 pmsentryworld High court601 north Michigan avenue | stevens point, wi 54481

» REGISTER

Business Expo After HoursMonday, March 26, 2012 \\ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pmHoliday inn Hotel & convention center1001 amber avenue | stevens point, wi 54482

» REGISTER

2012 Business Expotuesday, March 27, 2012 \\ 11:00 am - 6:30 pmHoliday inn Hotel & convention center1001 amber avenue | stevens point, wi 54482

» REGISTER For a BootH

YouNG PRoFESSIoNAl GRouPkICkS oFF02.16.12

Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of the Business Expo!

TuESDAY, MARCH 27 \\Keynote Speaker \\ 9:00 am - 10:30 amExpo \\ 11:00 am - 6:30 pm

To get more information, turn to page 5!

» ClICk HERE For More inFo\\\\\

BE THERE oR BE SquARE!

PCBC

tHe actiVe Voice \\ portage county Business counciL newsLetter02

Central Wisconsin Senior Living continues to grow with the addition of two new facilities in Portage County.

Pioneer Place Historical Apartments are located at 1020 First Street, Stevens Point. These are one and two bedroom living suites for seniors who want to live in a lively community and enjoy the peace of mind that our supportive amenities offer.

Legacy Gardens Assisted Living Home opened in Plover at 3120 Rosalie Parkway and specializes in insulin dependent residents and is a pet friendly CBRF.

For more information about these two new facilities or any of our other Senior Living alternative locations in Portage County, please contact Lori, at 715-343-1288.

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Altmann Construction, Inc. of Wisconsin Rapids was awarded the 2011 Projects of Distinction Award from the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin. Their Waste Management Center at University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and the Rennes Skilled Nursing,

Health & Rehab Center in Appleton projects won the Silver Projects of Distinction Award in the lnstitutional and Residential – Multi-Unit categories respectively.

“Altmann Construction is both proud and truly grateful to receive these 2011 Project of Distinction Awards from ABC,” said Tom Altmann, Vice President of Operations at Altmann Construction. “We thank them for recognizing our work on both of these projects,” Altmann continued. “We are truly honored to receive such distinguished awards and be honored alongside quality companies in the construction industry who have such an impact on the building community.”

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The Stevens Point Noon Optimist Club is now accepting applications for 2012 Optimist Scholarships, administered by the Stevens Point Noon Optimist Club. Up to $1,000 in scholarship money will be awarded. Scholarships will be presented to winning recipients in May, 2012.

Award recipients who have completed an application must meet the following criteria:

• Be a resident of Portage County• Be a graduating High School Senior • Accepted to an accredited school of higher education• Or attend an accredited school of higher education as a full-time student

For more information or a scholarship application form, contact any Portage County high school guidance counselor, or Club member Karen Schanock at 715-344-1940 or email at kschanoc@portagecountybiz. All applications must be completed and mailed to Pete Theisen at 5393 Clarice’s Circle, Stevens Point, WI 54482 no later than Monday, April 16, 2012.

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Schulfer and Associates announced that the firm relocated its offices from 1224 Strongs Avenue to the historic 1417 Main Street building in downtown Stevens Point.

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the Business Briefs column is an avenue to spotlight noteworthy business and professional accomplishments, recognition and awards among our Business council members.submit items of interest, in 100 words or less, to: admin@portagecountybiz.com by the 24th of the month prior to the next newsletter issue.business BRIEFS \\

lIkE THE NEW look? Be a part of it,by advertising with us!

» ClICk HERE For More inFo

For questions, please contact Heather at 715-344-1940 or admin@portagecountybiz.com.\\\\\

advertise with uS \\

SEEkING NoMINATIoNSFoR AWARDSThe PCBC invites you to nominate a business or business person for one of the prestigious 2012 Awards. Nominations are being sought for the Friend of Small Business and Entrepreneur of the Year. Both awards will be presented at the Small Business Breakfast on Friday, May 4, 2012.

FRIEND oF SMAll BuSINESS \\» ClICk HERE For tHe noMination ForM

ENTREPRENEuR oF THE YEAR \\» ClICk HERE For tHe noMination ForM

Your nominations are due by Friday, March 9, 2012. Self nominations are encouraged.

For more information on these awards, please contact Karen at 715-344-1940 or kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com.\\\\\

» REGISTER For sentryworLD» REGISTER For tHe steVens point country cLuBThe Ambassadors Club of the Portage County Business Council will be holding their annual golf outing, Business on the Green on Monday, June 4, 2012 at two highly rated Wisconsin courses—SentryWorld and the Stevens Point Country Club. With over 280 golfers participating and additional business representatives attending the 19th Hole Networking Event, the 2012 event will be a great environment to expand your contacts.

You have a great opportunity to be further involved in the event by taking advantage of a sponsorship! Don’t miss out! Here are the opportunities for this year...

2012 SPoNSoRSHIP oPPoRTuNITIES \\DIAMoND lEVEl - $1,550 Corporate sponsor of 19th Hole Networking Event• Company logo on banner provided by PCBC hung at

prominent location at 19th Hole Networking Event• Company logo on registration brochure & event

program

• 3 months of promotion in PCBC newsletter, The Active Voice

• Company logo displayed on Business on the Green webpage (including a link to company website) – prominent location

• Company logo on signs during the event at 2 courses and at the 19th Hole Networking Event

• Verbal recognition at 19th Hole Networking • Eight golfer passes at 18-hole event (4 at each

location) – includes green fees, carts, 16 nonalcoholic beverage tickets and 8 lunches

• 8 dinner tickets at 19th Hole Networking Event• A company reserved table for preferential seating at

19th Hole Networking Event

GolD lEVEl - $800 Corporate sponsor of 1 hole at the golf event on 1 course• Company logo on 24”x 36” sign provided by PCBC for

hole on golf course• Company name on registration brochure & event

program• 2 months of promotion in PCBC newsletter, The

Active Voice • Company logo displayed on Business on the Green

webpage (including a “link” to company website) • Company name on signs during the event at 2 courses

and at the 19th Hole Networking Event• Up to 2 lunches for those staffing the hole during the

outing• 4 golfer passes at 18-hole event - your choice of

course – includes green fees, carts, 8 nonalcoholic beverage tickets and 4 lunches

• 4 dinner tickets for 19th Hole Networking Event

See BUSINESS ON THE GREEN / Page 9

IT’S THAT TIME AGAINFoR BuSINESS oN THE GREEN

» REGISTER

ToPICIF You’RE NoT CoNTENT MARkETING,You’RE NoT MARkETING presented by Tom Marks, Managing Partner of TMA+Peritus

DETAIlSSPoNSoR \\

Content Marketing is the newest and most effective approach to sales promotion without blatantly promoting. It’s part public relations, part social media, new approaches to marketing and advertising, and lots of VOC (Voice-of-Customer) research. As one of Wisconsin’s leading Content Marketers, TMA+Peritus has been at the forefront of the movement for the last several years. At this X-Change you will learn the principles and a few secrets of Content Marketing from Tom Marks, Managing Partner of TMA+Peritus.

Tom Marks is the founder of TMA+Peritus, a marketing communications firm celebrating its 30th anniversary. From their offices in Madison & Wausau, TMAP has worked with top clients including McDonald’s, American Family Insurance, Bombardier, CUNA Mutual Insurance, Security Health Plans, Lincoln Logs, Footlocker, Honeywell, Portage County Business Council and many others. The company specializes in Content Marketing, Branding and Web Development.

> Continental Breakfast served> No cost to attend

ABouT A SMAll BuSINESS X-CHANGE:A roundtable series of meetings that allows small business owners and their employees the opportunity to discuss pertinent topics, learn from local industry leaders and, most importantly, learn from each other. Small Business X-Change meets regularly throughout the year from 7:30 am - 8:30 am at the Portage County Business Council office.

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03.2012 \\ portage county, wisconsin 03

SMAll BuSINESS X-CHANGE03.14.12 \\ 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

PCBC - FouNDATIoN RooM

Tom Marks

» ClICk HERE For registration ForM

Students are making important career decisions today. Whether considering what courses to take next year or deciding on their post-secondary education plans, input from those who will someday employ them is critical to their success.

Join us April 10, 2012 from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, and help us expose students to a wide range of educational opportunities and career paths—right here in Portage County. By participating in Career Expo, you can provide students with the necessary information regarding the skills, qualifications and duties of your career, careers that are available, or that will be coming available, right here in our local economy.

Please complete the registration form and return to PCBC by Friday March, 16, 2012 . For more information on Career Expo 2012 or our other Partners in Education programming please contact Sarah at 715-344-1940 or fdn@portagecounty.biz. \\\\\

CAREER EXPo 04.10.12 \\ 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

HolIDAY INN HoTEl & CoNVENTIoN CENTER

Mr. Ken Schroeder, University of Wisconsin-Extension Agriculture Agent for Portage County, has been selected to receive the Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture

Award from the Portage County Business Council. The Agri-Business Committee will present the award during the 2012 American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet on

March 12, 2012 at UW-Stevens Point, Dreyfus University Center.

Ken Schroeder is the University of Wisconsin-Extension Agriculture Agent for Portage County, specializing in Commercial Vegetable Production. His vegetable programming reaches beyond the county lines to Adams,

Green Lake, Juneau, Marquette, Waushara, and Wood Counties.

Ken’s relationship to Agriculture began on the family dairy farm in Sheboygan County. He attended the UW-Madison Farm and Industry Short Course after his high school graduation, and owned and operated his own dairy farm in Ozaukee County. Ken chose to continue his education at UW-Madison and earned his Bachelors of Science in Horticulture, and Masters and Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics. He taught at Kansas State University, and did tissue culture and applied research on woody ornamentals.

Ken returned to the great state of Wisconsin in 2006 to accept his current position as Portage County’s UW-Extension Agriculture Agent. He continues to do applied research in cooperation with area vegetable growers. Current projects include studying nitrogen use by sweet corn and a study using perennial legume cover

See SCHROEDER / Page 8

kEN SCHRoEDER To RECEIVE AGRICulTuRAl AWARD

tHe actiVe Voice \\ portage county Business counciL newsLetter04

EAGlE TREE CARE, llC \\JoHN THIEMEStevens Point \\ 715-252-5009 \\eagletreecarellc@gmail.comwww.eagletreecarellc.omJoin Date \\ 02.20.2012

REDEVEloPMENT RESouRCES \\kRISTEN FISHWausau \\ 715-581-4339 \\kfish@redevelopment-resources.comwww.redevelopment-resources.comJoin Date \\ 01.25.2012

ABouTRedevelopment Resources provides development and redevelopment solutions to municipalities, business and organizations which enhance the vitality of the community and improve the local economy. We do this by providing targeted, affordable advisory services for economic/community development and redevelopment, real estate, retail support and planning. Our team of uniquely experienced consultants works hands-on with our clients to actually implement strategies so the results are easily achieved. We have long-term track records of successful development; redevelopment; business recruitment, retention and entrepreneurial activity; retail consulting and plan implementation; funding tough projects and assisting with business planning.

RoN’S REFRIGERATIoN & AIRCoNDITIoNING, INC. \\TAMMY SAlEWSkIStevens Point \\ 715-342-1000 \\tammy.salewski@ronsrefrigeration.comwww.ronsrefrigeration.comJoin Date \\ 02.09.2012

THE MEETING GRouND \\kATHRYN JEFFERSAmherst \\ 715-445-3525 \\ kjeffers4@yahoo.comJoin Date \\ 02.01.2012

ABouTThe “Secret Sauce” of any great organization is in developing the capability of its people.

The Meeting Ground offers an effective venue for frank and confidential discussions about today’s business environment. Training programs, organizational assessments, project team meetings, and individual or group coaching/consulting focuses on solving real-time business issues. Participants learn how to grow their leadership, build a culture, recruit and retain top talent, manage people and projects, communicate clearly, plan and track strategies and changes, make the right decisions, build life-long customers, and increase sales and profits by developing a workforce that is candid, coachable, and competent.

a bit aboutouR NEWEST MEMBERS \\

each month the active Voice features a pcBc “Member of the Month” selected from a list of members that begins with the same letter of the alphabet. March features a business that begins with the letter “c”.

member of the MoNTH \\

CENTRAl WISCoNSIN SYMPHoNY oRCHESTRA1128 Main Street \\ Stevens Point, WI715-345-2976www.cwso.orgJoin Date \\ 05.04.1992

WHAT THEY HAVE To SAY \\

The Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra (CWSO) is honored to be the Portage County Business Council’s business of the month for March! Ever since its inception in 1947, the CWSO exists through the support of central Wisconsin businesses and individuals. Some of the early names from CWSO history include

Ed Bukolt, Lyle Jenkins, Dr. Robert Slater and Wenzel Albrecht. These individuals and many more had a vision of Stevens Point and Portage County being a hub of arts and culture and cultivating the rich artistic resources for the citizens of the region. The orchestra moved into the beautiful new Sentry Theater in 1977, became known as the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra and was governed by an expanded board of directors to include some of the most prominent executive talent in the central state area.

Today, the orchestra consists of 75 musicians hailing from seven counties, and serves concert attendees from the same geographic region. We recruit area business leaders with a passion for the arts to serve on our 20 member board of directors. Under the direction of Dr. Patrick Miles, we perform four concerts per season with two performances for each. Because of the tremendous financial and in-kind support from Portage County businesses, we are able to keep our tickets prices at a very reasonable rate and offer programming that is appealing to a variety of tastes!

Our history with the Portage County Business Council dates back to 1997. We feel very fortunate as a 501 (c)3 organization to be able to participate in and contribute to the many and varied events sponsored by the PCBC. We have also used the PCBC building as a functional space for our fall board retreat. Portage County has a reputation for the high quality of its art and culture, making it an attractive area in which to live and work. The CWSO is proud to be at the heart of the artistic life in central Wisconsin! In describing our relationship with the PCBC, the three words networking, knowledge and service seem to fit well - with the avenue for all three being two-way. \\\\\

Our Community. Your Business.Endless Opportunities.

presented by

PCBC

keynote speaker

Mr. Wayne Kostroski, Founder of the Taste of the NFL, a nationally recognized organization known for its work to kick hunger in America, raising and distributing over $11 million to local and national hunger organizations. Hear Wayne deliver his keynote presentation “Giving is Good Business – Achieving Super Bowl Results with Personal, Professional and Community Goals”, on Tuesday, March 27 from 9:00 am - 10:30 am.

Admission costsI WANT IT ALL - Best Value

PCBC Members & General Public

$15.00 (Savings - $19.95)INCLUDES:

Autographed copy of ‘Bring Out The Best!’ (Retail Value- $24.95)Admission to Keynote Speaker, Wayne Kostroski (Ticket Value - $5)Admission to 2012 Business Expo (Ticket Value - $5)

Admission to Keynote Speaker, Wayne KostroskiPCBC Members$5.00 / person -OR- Free with a donationof non-perishable food items (5) & a business card

General Public$5.00 / person plus a donation of non-perishable food items (5)

Admission to 2012 Business ExpoPCBC Members$5.00 / person -OR- Free with a donationof non-perishable food items (5) & a business card

General Public$5.00 / person plus a donation of non-perishable food items (5)

*We accept cash or checks only.

March 27, 2012Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center

1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point, WI

KeyNote Speaker | 9:00 am - 10:30 amExpo | 11:00 am - 6:30 pm

03.2012 \\ portage county, wisconsin 05

» ClICk HERE For More inFo

tHe actiVe Voice \\ portage county Business counciL newsLetter06

» REGISTER» ClICk HERE For tHe registration ForM

ToPICTHE CREATIVE ECoNoMY: WHAT IT CAN MEAN FoR PoRTAGE CouNTYpresented by Anne Katz, Arts Wisconsin Executive Director

PRESENTING SPoNSoR \\

ITINERARYRegistration & Networking \\ 11:15 amWelcome \\ 11:30 amLunch \\ 11:45 amGuest Speaker, Anne Katz \\ 12:15 pmDoor Prize Giveaways & Closing \\ 1:00 pm

CoST \\$22 / person for PCBC Members$30 / person for Prospective PCBC Members

oTHER WoMEN IN BuSINESS EVENTSTHuRSDAY, JuNE 21, 2012 Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention CenterPresenting Sponsor \\U.S. Bank & U.S. Bancorp Investments, Inc.

THuRSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012UWSP – Dreyfus University CenterAlumni RoomPresenting Sponsor \\Members’ Advantage Credit Union

THuRSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012Memories Wedding & Banquet Hall with Rockman’s CateringPresenting Sponsor \\Ski’s Meat Market\\\\\

WoMEN IN BuSINESS03.22.12 \\ 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM

SENTRYWoRlD HIGH CouRT

Anne katz

» REGISTERThe Portage County Business Council is pleased to announce Mr. Alan Gregory as keynote speaker for the American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet.

Alan Gregory has a lifetime of involvement in agriculture. He hails from the beautiful state of Virginia and now calls Brillion, Wisconsin home. He has a unique style of story- telling using his native southern dialect and comedy to keep you listening to every word.

His presentation at our Ag Banquet will be “A Lifetime in Ag: A Humorous Reflection”. At the event Alan will use his sense of humor to share his love of agriculture through some interesting tales.

Alan was born and raised in the southern town of Richmond, Virginia where he spent the majority of his youth. The desire in his heart to pursue a career in agricultural began at an early age. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Science from Ferrum College, Virginia and held positions after

school as a dairy herd’s man, field representative for ABS Global for nearly ten years and various roles as an auctioneer. Alan then started his career with Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPS)

in October, 1999 where he is today as an Agricultural Consultant serving his customers in northern Manitowoc and Kewaunee counties. His responsibilities include working with their rewire program, Focus on Energy program, farm

testing, along with being the point person for new construction, upgrades, relocates, gas & electric engineers, clerks, designers, billing and collections. In addition, he works with youth through safety days and career days and assists with setting up the WPS Farm Show.

Alan has 4 daughters & 5 grandchildren and enjoys doing standup comedy & the great outdoors.

Don’t miss this event where Alan will make sure everyone leaves with a smile!

Business Council members and their guests are invited to attend the 2012 American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet. We will also recognize several individuals who have contributed to the success of agri-business in Portage County. Area students will be recognized in the area of both 4-H and FFA, Agri-Business Scholarships and the 2012 Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award will be presented.

Parking will be available in Lot R.

For questions contact Karen at 715-344-1940 or by email at kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com.

ITINERARYSocial \\ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pmSocial, Cash Bar, Complimentary Hors d’ oeuvres

Dinner & Keynote \\ 7:00 pm - 8:15 pmKeynote, Alan Gregory, Agricultural Consultant for WPS

Awards \\ 8:15 pm - 8:45 pmAwards by Master of Ceremonies – Charlie Thomas, Market Manager for NRG Media, Inc.Presentation of: 4-H Leadership in Agriculture, Outstanding FFA Seniors, Agri-Business Scholarships, and Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award – Mr. Ken Schroeder

CoST \\$25 / person\\\\\

AMERICAN AGRICulTuRE APPRECIATIoN BANquET03.12.12 \\ 6:00 PM - 8:45 PM

uWSP, DREYFuS uNIVERSITY CENTER - lAIRD RooM

03.2012 \\ portage county, wisconsin 07

2011-12 PIE platinum INVESToRS \\

Take your leadership to the next level! Applications are now being accepted for Leadership Portage County (LPC), a dynamic educational series for

those ready to commit to greater leadership roles in their organizations and the community. The ten-month LPC program combines interactive monthly sessions, leadership skill

development, experiential learning opportunities, community awareness activities, and networking to help participants become more effective leaders.

A 2-day retreat in August jump-starts the program and participants then meet once monthly from September through May. Each interactive session is packed with information from local experts, thought-provoking discussions and an opportunity to interact with a variety of area leaders. The interim assignments and class projects provide a way for participants to apply leadership skills, enhance community awareness and continue networking. More than 450 people have completed the program since it began in 1993. Both LPC participants and their employers have benefited from the skills learned, expanded business contacts and community networks made.

» ClICk HERE For tHe appLication MateriaLs

Application materials and $250 tuition deposit are due to the PCBC office by May 1, 2012. Up to 28 participants are chosen based on their interest in contributing to the community in the future and their leadership potential. Each class includes a diverse mix of ages and backgrounds representing private businesses of all sizes, public institutions and nonprofit organizations. For more information contact Sarah at 715-344-1940 or fdn@portagecountybiz.com.\\\\\

lEADERSHIP PoRTAGECouNTY SEEkS APPlICANTS

Le

ad

ership Portage Co

un

ty

» REGISTER» MAP

SPoNSoRS \\

Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center1001 Amber Avenue | Stevens Point, WI

Enjoy complimentary hor d’oeuvres, refreshments, & door prize giveaways.

No Cost to attend!

Pre-registration is appreciated. Please RSVP by Friday, March 23, 2012.\\\\\

BuSINESS EXPo AFTER HouRS03.26.12 \\ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Ignite Leadership Network of Portage County will be hosting their next Backstage Pass event on March 8 at Emy J’s and The Main Grain Bakery. This event is limited to 50 participants and we are full. These events are structured to give attendees a “Backstage” look at businesses in Portage County while providing an opportunity for

young professionals to network with their peers and are scheduled to be held every other month throughout 2012. Ignite is a partnership between the Portage County Business Council Foundation and United Way of Portage County. For more information contact Sarah at 715-344-1940 or fdn@portagecountybiz.com.\\\\\

BACkSTAGE PASS - IGNITE03.08.12 \\ 5:30 PM

EMY J’S & THE MAIN GRAIN BAkERY

SolD ouT

tHe actiVe Voice \\ portage county Business counciL newsLetter08

SCHRoEDERFrom Page 3crops to save money on nitrogen fertilizer in commercial vegetable cropping systems. Both projects focus on improving the sustainability of vegetable production on irrigated land in Central Wisconsin.

Ken serves the state as co-leader of the UW-Extension Fresh Market and Commercial Vegetable Team, and on the education committee of the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, planning and coordinating the annual WPVGA and UW-Extension Grower Education Conference. He is president of the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Association of County Agriculture Agents, editor for the Central Wisconsin agriculture newsletter, and serves on the Central Wisconsin Groundwater Task Force.

Recently, Ken was honored with the position of Executive Secretary for the Portage County, Wisconsin Farm Technology Days after his successful bid to bring the event to Portage County in 2014. This will be 32 years after it was last held here and known as Farm Progress Days. The event will host more than 600 exhibitors and attracts 60 thousand to 90 thousand attendees over the 3-day period.

Ken wears many hats as the Agriculture Agent for Portage County, serving on the Portage County Business Council Agri-Business Committee, the Dairy Promotion Committee, the Forage Council, and providing private pesticide applicator training for local farmers. He is involved with youth programming, serving on the Market Animal Committee and the County Fair Youth Exhibit Committee. Ken also teaches tractor safety and meat animal quality assurance classes to local youth.To make use of his horticulture expertise, Ken works with local fresh market vegetable growers and home gardeners. Additionally, he trains Master Gardener Volunteers and supervises the Portage County Master Gardener Volunteer Association.

“Ken is an advocate of the agri-business industry and has shown outstanding commitment towards the agri-businesses in Portage County,” says Karen Schanock, Director of Programs & Events for the Portage County Business Council. “It is an honor to present him with this award.”

Congratulations to Ken Schroeder!\\\\\

Check out the improved Department of Revenue website for a nice highlight of tax incentives for Wisconsin business!

» ClICk HERE For More inFo

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TAX INCENTIVES FoR WISCoNSIN BuSINESSES

On February 6, over fifty 7th grade students participated in the Partners in Education (PIE) Jr. Reality Shop at St. Peter Middle School.

The Reality Shop was staffed by area business representatives and volunteers who “sold” their services to the students. After the event, students spent time reflecting on their experience to determine if any conflicts existed between the dream and reality.

In the three weeks prior to Reality Shop, the 7th graders were taken through a Career Unit. Activities included a career exploration day, career cluster survey, choosing a career they would like to learn more about, researching that career and then trying to balance a monthly household budget within that salary range at the Jr. Reality Shop.

The students were surprised to find out how much things can cost, as well as the amount of things that are required for daily living. They also found that unexpected things in life can really wreak havoc within a budget.

Educators were able to use the Reality Shop event to bring classroom lessons to life and follow up on any revelations their students may have had during the event. Joe Alexander of Len Dudas Motors says, “This is the second Reality workshop that Len Dudas Motors has had the pleasure of helping out with. We were very impressed at the level of interest and participation by all the young students that we came in contact with. Reality Shops are a fun and very practical way for these students to learn how a budget works in a close to real life situation and we are looking forward to being involved in the future.”

Partners in Education is planning one more Reality Shop on March 6, for PIE Partner School Districts.

To find out more about Partners in Education programming please contact Sarah at 715-344-1940 or at fdn@portagecountybiz.com.\\\\\

JR. REAlITY SHoP WRAPS uP CAREER uNIT AT ST. PETER MIDDlE SCHool02.06.12

03.2012 \\ portage county, wisconsin 09

BuSINESS oN THE GREENFrom Page 1

GolD lEVEl (2) - $400 Corporate Sponsor of 1 hole at the golf event on 1 course• Company logo on 24”x 36” sign provided by PCBC for hole on golf course• Company name on registration brochure & event program• 2 months of promotion in PCBC newsletter, The Active Voice • Company logo displayed on Business on the Green webpage (including a link to

company website) • Company name on signs during the event at 2 courses and at the 19th Hole

Networking Event• Up to 2 lunches for those staffing the hole during the outing• 2 dinner tickets for 19th Hole Networking Event

BEVERAGE CART SPoNSoRS - $600 Corporate Sponsor of all beverage carts at 2 courses• Company logo on decals provided by PCBC displayed on all beverage carts at 2

courses• Company name on all complimentary nonalcoholic beverage tickets at 2 courses• Company name on registration brochure & event program• 2 months of promotion in PCBC newsletter, The Active Voice • Company name listed on Business on the Green webpage • Company name on signs during the event at 2 courses and at the 19th Hole

Networking Event• 2 golfer passes at 18-hole event - includes green fees, cart, 4 nonalcoholic beverage

tickets & 2 lunches• 2 dinner tickets for 19th Hole Networking Event

luNCH SPoNSoRS - $600 Corporate Sponsor of Luncheon at 2 courses• Company logo on 24”x 36” sign provided by PCBC for display at Snack Shops at 2

courses• Company logo advertised with each golfer lunch at 2 courses• Company name on registration brochure & event program• 2 months of promotion in PCBC newsletter, The Active Voice • Company name listed on Business on the Green webpage • Company name on signs during the event at 2 courses and at the 19th Hole

Networking Event• 2 golfer passes at 18-hole event - includes green fees, cart, 4 nonalcoholic beverage

tickets & 2 lunches• 2 dinner tickets for 19th Hole Networking Event

EXCluSIVE PuTTING CoNTEST SPoNSoR - $350 Corporate sponsor of Putting Contest on 1 course. Sponsor will be responsible to staff the hole during outing and provide prize valued at a minimum of $50• Company logo on 24”x 36” sign provided by PCBC for putting hole on golf course• Company name on registration brochure and event program

• One month of promotion in PCBC newsletter, The Active Voice • Company name listed on Business on the Green webpage • Company name on signs during the event at two courses and at the 19th Hole

Networking Event• One lunch for person staffing the putting hole during the outing• One dinner ticket for 19th Hole Networking Event

HolE IN oNE SPoNSoRS - $300 Corporate sponsor of Hole in One Contest on 1 course. Value of prize and cost of insurance must be provided.• Company logo on 24”x 36” sign provided by PCBC for hole on golf course• Company name on registration brochure & event program• One month of promotion in PCBC newsletter, The Active Voice • Company name listed on Business on the Green webpage • Company name on signs during the event at two courses and at the 19th Hole

Networking Event• Up to two lunches for those staffing the hole during the outing• Two golfer passes at 18-hole event if product amount values $10,000 or more – your

choice of course, includes green fees, cart, 4 nonalcoholic beverage tickets & 2 lunches• Two dinner tickets for 19th Hole Networking Event

HolE EVENT PRIzE SPoNSoRS Corporate donation of prize(s) for special event games on golf course(s)• Company name on signs during the event at two courses and signage at the 19th Hole

Networking Event• Verbal recognition at 19th Hole Networking Event • Buy one get one free golfer pass at 18-hole event if product amount values $1,000 or

more - includes green fees, cart, 4 nonalcoholic beverage tickets, 2 lunches & 2 dinner tickets for 19th Hole Networking Event

RAFFlE PRIzE SPoNSoRS Corporate donation of prize(s) for Business on the Green raffle• Company name displayed with donated raffle prize(s) at the 19th Hole Networking

Event• Company name on raffle ticket (must meet print deadline)

• Company name on signs during the event at 2 courses and at the 19th Hole Networking Event

• Company name on event program if product amount values $1,000 or more• Buy 1 get 1 free golfer pass at 18-hole event if product amount values $1,000 or

more - includes green fees, cart, 4 nonalcoholic beverage tickets, 2 lunches & 2 dinner tickets for 19th Hole Networking Event

This opportunity for sponsorship is on a first come, first serve basis. To confirm your sponsorship, please contact Karen at 715-344-1940 or kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com by Friday, April 6, 2012. We appreciate your consideration and support of this event.

Foursome registrations are also available NOW! Due to limited space for single and double golfers, start planning your foursomes soon. Courses fill on a first-come-first-served basis. $120 per person. \\\\\

tHe actiVe Voice \\ portage county Business counciL newsLetter10

Ignite Leadership Network of Portage County their February L3 professional development lunch series with Brandan DuChateau on the 23rd. DuChateau is the Executive Director of the National Wellness Institute, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, serving health and wellness professionals and organizations that promote optimal health and wellness in individuals and communities.

DuChateau spoke on her personal and professional journey and shared many of the mantras and philosophies that have brought her to where she is today. Attendees also had the chance to network and share their attitudes and viewpoints of success, giving back and building our community.

The L3: Lunch, Learn, Lead series is a roundtable discussion over lunch with area business and community leaders and is an opportunity to meet area leaders and hear their personal stories while engaging in a conversation about life, community and leadership. For more information on the L3 series, contact Sarah at 715-344-1940 or fdn@portagecountybiz.com \\\\\

SuCCESSFul l3 WITH BRANDAN DuCHATEAu02.23.12

» REGISTERDo some good with your lunch hour. This program is designed to be an intimate roundtable discussion over lunch with area business and community leaders. This is an opportunity for Ignite members to meet area leaders and hear their personal stories while engaging in a conversation about life, community and leadership.

CoST \\$10 / person

FEATuRED SPEAkER \\Brant Bergeron, Ministry Health Care

Brant is a 1985 graduate of UW-Stevens Point and has had a wide array of experiences in the communications field. From broadcast journalist, to communications specialist…from alumni relations to marketing, hospitality and provider recruitment, his experiences have run the gamut. He is a graduate of Leadership Portage County and currently involved with Walk Wisconsin, The Stevens Point Salvation Army, Stevens Point Kiwanis, Big Brothers Big Sisters and a number of other organizations. Ignite Leadership Network is a partnership of the Portage County Business Council Foundation and United Way of Portage County.

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l3: luNCH, lEARN, lEAD04.26.12 \\ 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM

MINISTRY HEAlTH CARE

AMBASSADoR VISIT \\ SHERWIN WIllIAMS Co.04.09.12

03.2012 \\ portage county, wisconsin 11

Did You Knowthe Portage County Business Council & Foundation —

- collaborates with local municipalities and other organizations devoted to economic development in Portage County?- regularly calls on local companies to gather information on products and services, sales, growth and sustainability?- enlists experts to offer workshops on topics critical to small business success?- facilitates workforce development opportunities for employees and students to develop enhanced skills?- advocates on behalf of its members on public policy issues of concern to businesses and education?- works with nearly 500 member firms and provides assistance whenever possible?

The Portage County Business Council and Foundation are dedicated to creating a positive economic, political and social climate in Portage County, making itpossible for members and the community to prosper.

Something’s happening here!715-344-1940www.PortageCountyBiz.com | www.PortageCountyConnects.com

» REGISTERJoin Ignite Leadership Network for a night of music and networking at the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra’s April concert, “Classic Artistry”. This will be their last concert of the season, ending on a high note, as UWSP

Artist-Teacher-Associate Professor of Piano, Raffi Besalyan performs Rachmaninoff’s, Piano Concerto in C Minor. The

CWSO’s 63rd season is then set to be ushered out with a powerful performance of Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5, Op. 47.

Attendees will be recognized as members of Ignite in the concert program along with the opportunity to participate in an exclusive backstage tour immediately following the concert and to then join the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra attendees in the @1800 Lounge. Bring a non-perishable item in support of their Orchestras Feeding America project for a chance to win 2012-13 Season Tickets! Donations will benefit The Cupboard and Operation Bootstrap. For more information on the CWSO, visit them at www.CWSO.org.

Thanks to the generosity and support of the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra for Ignite programming, these tickets are free of

charge. Please consider supporting our future efforts through a suggested donation of $10 to Ignite Leadership Network of Portage County.

Ignite Leadership Network of Portage County is a partnership of the PCBC Foundation and United Way of Portage County. Members are committed young professionals, focused on providing professional, social and philanthropic opportunities to ensure a vibrant future for Portage County Wisconsin.

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igNITE AT THE SYMPHoNY04.21.12 \\ 7:15 PM

SENTRY THEATRE

tHe actiVe Voice \\ portage county Business counciL newsLetter10

March 201208 ambassador club Meeting / Visits - 8:00 am, pcBc - Foundation room

09 school Board candidate Forum - 7:30 am - 9:00 am, pcBc - Foundation room

15 salesnet Meeting - 11:45 am, pcBc - Foundation room

16 Judicial candidate Forum - 7:30 am - 9:00 am, pcBc - Foundation room

21 executive committee Meeting - 7:30 am, cliftonLarsonallen LLp

22 ambassador Visits - 3:30 pm, sites tBa

28 Board of Directors Meeting - 7:30 am - 9:00 am, pcBc - Foundation room

meetings & other DATES \\

Executive BoardEd Spencer - President, Donaldson Company, Inc.David McHone - President Elect, Central WI Managment Services, LLCSusan Placzek - Vice President, SentryWorld Sports CenterJeff Peterson - Past President, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Sue Wille - Treasurer, Ligman & Wille CPA LLCSue Wilcox - Member at Large, United Way of Portage CountyDave Worth - Member at Large, The Worth CompanyLori Dehlinger, Executive Director, Portage County Business Council, Inc.

Board of DirectorsTom Altmann - Altmann Construction CompanyScot Barton - Pointe PrecisionDan Beighley - Wisconsin Public Service CorporationMargo Bronk - McCain FoodsLisa Bourget - Travel Guard, Inc.Kris Dragan - M&IPatty Dreier - Portage County ExecutiveRick Flugaur - Past President, Anderson O’BrienScott Glinski - SkywardAndrew Halverson - Mayor, City of Stevens PointO. Phillip Idsvoog - Portage County Board ChairLonnie Krogwold - Portage County Board Finance ChairNyra Lind - Ambassador Representative, ABR Employment ServicesRichard O’Sullivan - Mid-State Technical CollegeMark Patrick - Notable Impressions Bernie Patterson - University of Wisconsin - Stevens PointAl Pennebecker - Saint Michael’s HospitalDan Schlutter - Village of PloverLisa Sobczak - ABR Employment ServicesJoAnn Vosz - Community First BankAttila Weninger - Stevens Point Area Public SchoolsWard Wolff - First Weber Group RealtorsMike Williams - Sentry InsuranceGary Wysocki - Paragon FarmsRobert Worth - Director Emeritus, The Worth Company

Board AdvisorsSara Brish - Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors’ BureauDan Mahoney - Village of PloverMichael Ostrowski - City of Stevens PointSteve Smith - Mid-State Technical College

2012 pcbc / foundation board of DIRECToRS \\

PCBC / Foundation StaffLori Dehlinger - executive Director

Mary Jo Monday - Director of Member relations

Karen schanock - Director of programs & events

sarah o’Donnell - Director of Foundation

Kari thompson - Business & office operations Director

Heather nennig - administrative / Marketing assistant

Email Addressesldehling@portagecountybiz.com

mmonday@portagecountybiz.com

kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com

fdn@portagecountybiz.com

acctg@portagecountybiz.com

admin@portagecountybiz.com

The Active VoiceDesign / Layout by:

Heather nennig \\ admin@portagecountybiz.com

p 715-344-1940 \\ F 715-344-4473

FolloW uS oN FACEBook.

the TEAM \\ they make things happen!

PoRTAGE CouNTY BuSINESS CouNCIl & FouNDATIoN \\ 5501 VERN HolMES DRIVE \\ STEVENS PoINT, WI 54482

Purchasing Portage County gift certificates continues to be a successful way to “Buy Local”.

Portage County gift certificates makes great gifts. Gift certificates can be purchased at area banks, credit unions, the Convention and Visitors’ Bureau or at our office. They can be used at any business with a Portage County address and are available in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $25, $50 & $100.

The Portage County Business Council would like to thank everyone who participates for helping make the program successful. We would also like to thank M&I for their financial support of the gift certificate program.

BuY loCAl

www.PortageCountyConnects.comThe Portage County Business Council reminds you that Portage County Connects is your connection to current events, insights and resources in economic development news in Portage County.

Subscribe via the RSS Feed or bookmark the page and stay connected. Portage County Connects allows you to submit articles and leave relevant comments on topics too. We can help you get your word out. Be a part of the conversation and contribute!

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