Portage County Business Council September Digital Magazine/TITLE

PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL
Events
WINES OF
THE WORLD
Insights
NFL STRATEGIES
TO ATTRACT NEW
BUSINESS
Newsroom
THE BOTTLE
STOP TURNS FIVEThe Bottle Stop celebrated 5 years in business. Matt
Lazarski had always wanted his own beverage business.
Talent Development
LEADERSHIP
PORTAGE COUNTYLike many students heading back to school this fall,
the Leadership Portage County Class of 2016-17
anxiously began their 10-month program.
Events
2016 LEGISLATIVE
CANDIDATE FORUMThe Portage County Business Council’s Government Relations
Committee is holding a Legislative Candidate Forum on Friday,
September 16 at the Stevens Point Country Club.

2
P C B C | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 6
The Active Voice is a Benefit for PCBC Members
Portage County Business Council, Inc.
5501 Vern Holmes Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54482
715-344-1940
www.portagecountybiz.com
CONTACTS:
Portage County Business Council @PoCoBiz Portage County Business Council
Todd Kuckkahn - Executive Director
Karen Schanock - Director of Programs & Events
Kayla Rombalski- Director of Talent Development
Kari Thompson - Director of Operations
Tonya Kowalski - Director of Business Engagement
Angel Whitehead - Marketing Communications Coordinator
tkuckkah@portagecountybiz..com
kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com
talent@portagecountybiz.com
acctg@portagecountybiz.com
tkowalsk@portagecountybiz.com
admin@portagecountybiz.com
»» p. 11
Business
Hours
after
“Our great schools,
low cost of living,
and abundant
recreational
activities make
Portage County a
great place to live
and work.”
–Scott Glinski,
President of Skyward
»» p. 16 »» p. 4
»» p. 9

3
T h e A c t i v e Vo i c e | D i g i t a l M a g a z i n e
»» p. 12
»» p. 15
»» p. 7
»» p.19
4 What do you do when you’re not.......
Regardless of the final impact, it is fair to say we focus on business retention
and attraction as well as employee retention and attraction.
7 APPLYING NFL STRATEGIES TO ATTRACT NEW BUSINESSES
Since the NFL season is just around the corner, I’ve been thinking about
what would happen if we applied some of the same strategies used by NFL
teams to attract more businesses and entrepreneurs to Portage County.
9 Business After Hours
What is Business After Hours? A social experience designed for and hosted
by Business Council members to give business professionals an opportunity
for network development, sharing ideas, and learn about the business host.
11 Ambassadors & staff show their support
Community leaders joined Aspirus on August 23rd for a groundbreaking
ceremony at the Aspirus Stevens Point Clinic.
12 Wines of the world
Join us on October 28, from 6:00PM – 9:00PM at the Holiday Inn Hotel &
Convention Center, 1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point for an international
journey as we sample a selection of wines from around the world.
15 2016 Legislative Candidate Forum
The Portage County Business Council’s Government Relations Committee
is holding a Legislative Candidate Forum on Friday, September 16 at the
Stevens Point Country Club.
16 The bottle stop turns five
Working for other successful locally-owned enterprises-a liquor distributor,
a bar/restaurant and a retail beverage outlet-he developed and honed the
skills he knew he would need.
19 LEadership portage county begins
Like many students heading back to school this fall, the Leadership Portage
County Class of 2016-17 anxiously began their 10-month program on Aug.
18-19.
CONTENTS

4
P C B C | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 6
interests. That’s the beginning
of a quality business relationship
in a non-threatening way. The
other side of this would be too
“salesy” by walking up to Chris
and leading with a business card,
all the while talking only about
your product or service. That’s
not even networking, much less
network development.
Through mutual relationships
come mutually beneficial
partnershipsandthenthebusiness
community working together
to solve our strategic direction.
Working together strategically,
weattractmoreemployees,retain
more businesses and employees
and eventually attract more
businesses to fill in any gaps we
might have in the community.
So, whether you come to our
September Business After Hours,
Ag Tour, SalesNet, Business
X-Change, Women In Business
or Legislative Forum, think
about network development
and the simple way to start that
relationship. We dare you to ask
questions and listen!
THE PORTAGE COUNTY
Business Council’s (PCBC)
strategic direction is being
shaped as you are reading this
article. Regardless of the final
impact, it is fair to say we focus on
business retention and attraction
as well as employee retention and
attraction. It is also fair to say
partnerships, collaboration, and
relationships are key to any of our
community’s success.
I have to give a lot of credit for
my thoughts and differentiation
of jargon to Kyle Sexton,
Marketing Strategist. We worked
with Kyle recently on our value-
based member refocusing and
new strategies for remarkable
membership. Kyle draws a
clear distinction between the
jargon—networkingandnetwork
development. He states that
networkingiswhereyoumeetnew
people. Network development is
building relationships.
When PCBC holds our monthly
Business After Hours events, I
challenge those in attendance
to work on building at least one
new relationship at the event
(i.e. network development). If
members are wise about their
membership and attend one
every month, that would be
twelve new relationships built
in a membership year. Don’t get
me wrong, it’s great to meet new
people, but there is always time
for that.
Even with all of our technological
communication, network
development is still hand-to-
hand and not finger-to-finger (i.e.
texting). Building relationships is
not always easy, however. Not
everyone can jump up, reach
out their hand, and begin a
conversation. So you may ask
how do I make that leap (did you
see the pun—jump/leap)?
I recently spoke to our new
Leadership Portage County class.
It’s a great program and goes way
beyond network development.
That’s for another story, though.
The tip I gave them was if you
don’tknowsomebodyandmaybe
don’t feel comfortable starting a
conversation, ask them what they
do when they’re not doing what
they are doing at that moment.
At Business After Hours, it would
golikethis: HiChris—whatdoyou
do when you aren’t at Business
After Hours. That accomplishes
several things. It shows Chris you
care. It opens the door. Chris’s
response will tell you Chris’s
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT...
DIRECTOR’S INSIGHT - TODD KUCKKAHN

5
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6th
10:00am – 7:00pm
NOEL HANGAR
(located on the Stevens Point Municipal Airport grounds)
4501 Hwy 66, Stevens Point
TO REGISTER AND FOR MORE DETAILS, GO TO:
http://business.portagecountybiz.com/events/details/2016-portage-county-business-council-job-fair-2989
Thank you to our sponsors:

6
P C B C | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 6
Ag Tour 2016 is set for Tuesday, September 13th from
11:30am to 5:00pm. Planned by the Agri-Business
Committee of the Portage County Business Council, you
and your business associates are invited to attend.
Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsors:
The theme for this year’s event is “Every Day is Earth
Day on a Farm”. The event begins with a picnic lunch
featuring grilled hamburgers, brats, potato salad, calico
beans, chips, dessert and more. During lunch we will
hear from Guest Speaker – Danny Wysocky of Adams-
Columbia Electric Cooperative. His presentation is
entitled“InnovativeWays Farmers & Electricity Providers
WorkTogether to Meet Current and Future Power Needs”.
After lunch, we will tour Heartland Farms, a fifth
generation potato and vegetable farm which operates
over 24,000 acres of farmland.
Heartland is known for their progressive and fast-paced
approach to utilizing technology to better their crop,
their community, and the environment. Attendees
will see their new 37,000 square foot Farm Operations,
Technology, andTraining Center (FOTTC) and other areas
of the farm.
The facility includes a training room capable of hosting
over 80 people classroom style plus many more features.
The new facility has environmental sustainability in mind
and has a 95kW photovoltaic solar array on its roof.
The event includes tour stop, bus transportation, a picnic
lunch & guest speaker, socializing and education.
Please note TOUR RULES / DRESS CODE:
• Comfortable walking shoes
(ABSOLUTELY NO open toes, NO high heels)
Tuesday, September 13, 2016 Agenda
11:30AM: Bus Pickup atWisconsin Public Service (WPS),
2001 Plover Rd, Plover (next to Menards).
Vehicles will be left in parking lot of WPS.
12:15PM: Picnic lunch and guest speaker at
Heartland Farms, Inc.
12:45PM: Tour of Heartland Farms, Inc.
5:00PM: Return to WPS Corporation
Cost is only $23 person.
ONLYAFEWSEATSREMAIN.REGISTERSOON!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
For questions contact Karen Schanock at 715-344-1940
or kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com.

7
By Scott Glinski,
President of
Skyward
I’m a lifelong Minnesota Viking fan.
There, I said it.
Hereamongthecheeseheads,cheer-
ing for theVikings isn’t easy. Every fall
when the leaves change colors and
the weather turns cold, I’m a small
purple island in a sea of green and
gold.
Since the NFL season is just around
the corner, I’ve been thinking about
what would happen if we applied
some of the same strategies used
by NFL teams to attract more busi-
nesses and entrepreneurs to Portage
County. Let’s take a look.
BUILD THROUGH
THE DRAFT
Much like NFL teams build their
rosters through the draft, Skyward
works directly with local schools to
develop early interest in technology.
If we are to maintain a full pipeline
for future talent, there’s no better
way than by showing kids the career
opportunities that are already avail-
able right here in Portage County.
Is it working? You bet! At last count,
243 of Skyward’s 526 employees
have degrees from either UWSP or
MSTC—and a large percentage of
those started out right here in the
local schools. We’re already sur-
rounded by talent; we just need to
find more ways to keep it here.
CREATE A WINNING
CULTURE
Remember when getting traded to
the Packers was the equivalent of
being sent to Siberia? No player or
coach wanted to go there. How did
they change the culture to make
Green Bay an attractive destination?
TheybroughtinMikeHolmgren,Brett
Favre, and Reggie White. Suddenly,
top free agents were clamoring to
be part of the smallest market in pro
sports.
As a local business leader, what have
you done lately to promote your
company culture to the kids who
will be entering the workforce in 5
or 10 years? Trust me when I tell you
that teachers love taking students to
local businesses to learn more about
career opportunities that are waiting
for them when they finish school. By
working together, we can open the
nextgeneration’seyestothefactthat
they don’t have to go far to find the
career of their dreams.
KEEP UP WITH THE
(JERRY) JONES
In the last few years, as shiny new
mega-stadiums sprang up with high-
end amenities for players, staff, and
fans, the Metrodome was looking
like an outdated relic. This fall, my
beloved Vikings are moving into a
state-of-the-art $1.1 billion home —
U.S. Bank Stadium — to keep pace
with the 31 other teams.
Our great schools, low cost of living,
and abundant recreational activities
make Portage County a great place
to live and work. But this is no longer
enough. Much like NFL teams, we
need to make sure our community
has the infrastructure and amenities
that will make it attractive to pro-
spective businesses and employees.
At Skyward, our new 190,000 square
footworldheadquartersoffersplenty
of room for future expansion and
cutting-edge features that will help
us compete for top talent for many
years to come.
TEAMWORK WINS
CHAMPIONSHIPS
In the NFL, players make plays but
teamwork wins championships. One
of the things I like best about living
in Portage County is that the people
here look out for one another. We
need to adopt that same concept
of teamwork to economic develop-
ment, and one of the best ways to
do that is by becoming active in the
Portage County Business Council.
Whether you’re a fan of the Packers,
the Vikings, or some other team, the
growth of our community is in all
of our best interests. Let’s continue
working together to make Portage
County a place that any growing
business will be proud to call home.
APPLYING NFL STRATEGIES TO ATTRACT NEW BUSINESSES
INSIGHT

8
P C B C | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 6
9.14.16 7:30AM - 8:30AM
PCBC FOUNDATION ROOM
NO COST TO ATTEND. CONTINENTAL
BREAKFAST IS INCLUDED.
What is the Business X-Change? A roundtable
presentation which allows business owners and
their employees the opportunity to discuss pertinent
topics, learn from local industry leaders and, most
importantly, learn from each other. While there is no
cost to attend, the value of the information may be
priceless.
Business X-Change meets regularly throughout
the year from 7:30 - 8:30AM at the Portage County
Business Council office.
TOPIC: “CUSTOMER RETENTION -
A HUMAN APPROACH”
About Our Program:
Large companies to small business owners spend
a fortune each year attracting their customers;
tempting them to try their product, service or join
their customer base. Once you get them in the door,
what are you doing to keep them coming back for
more? Deborah has worked with customers for over
35 years, 22 of those years building her own reputable
business to over 60,000 customers. At this X-Change,
she will share her most valuable and effective tools to
keep customers returning, but more importantly, for
those same customers to bring even more customers
back with them. Grow your brand and expand your
customers while lowering marketing expenses and
building profit.
Key Points that our Audience will Learn:
• Above and Beyond: Going beyond good
and great.
• Mom’s The Word: Tune into the art of
listening to build trust, learn compassion

and earn your customers continued business.
• Four Ways System™ to customer
relationship: Understanding your customer’s
preferred “way of behaving” to
communicate and relate more effectively
with each customer specifically.
• PS not BS: No customer wants to walk away
from any purchase, service or business deal
feeling like a victim of a BS artist. Learn the
art of PS-ing for true results.
• Touch it up: Walls aren’t the only thing
needing a touch up, discover the secret
weapon to customers continued patronage.
• Get to the Core: Bring the right employees
into your business to keep customers
coming back by learning effective hiring
techniques.
About our Speaker:
Deborah Adams is a Thought Leader
and Wellness Expert. She is Founder
and CEO of The Wellness Spa, Inc. in
Stevens Point, WI since 1994 and co-
owner of Wisconsin’s first Halotherapy
center, the Qi Garden Salt Spa since
2014. Deborah was an AMTA massage
therapist for 25 years and is currently certified in Tai
Chi & Qigong, Therapeutic Lifestyle Change, and
Human Performance. She offers lectures, training, and
retreats in stress management, empowerment, self-
care, and customer retention.
Special THANK YOU to /the Wellness Spa for their
sponsorship of this program.
For questions on this X-Change please contact Karen Schanock at 715-344-1940 or kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com.
REGISTER HERE

9
September 19, 2016
5:00PM - 7:00PM
Event will be held at the offices of AFLAC and
PuroClean, 2925 Welsby Avenue, Stevens Point.
Parking: Additional parking located across the street
from their building in the vacant parking lot.
Our hosts for the September event will be offering
a variety of complimentary appetizers, alcoholic
beverages (wine and craft beers), non-alcoholic
refreshments, and door prize giveaways. A 50/50
raffle will also be played and tours of the office space,
including the warehouse facility of PuroClean.
What is Business After Hours? A social event designed
for and hosted by Business Council members to give
business professionals an opportunity for network
development, sharing ideas, and have their facility
seen by other members. The member host furnishes
refreshments and hors d’oeuvres for the evening. A
different Business Council member hosts Business
After Hours every month.
Members are welcome to co-host the event with
another Business Council member. Please call Karen
Schanock at 715-344-1940 or email at kschanoc@
portagecountybiz.com to book the month you are
interested in.
RSVP by Friday, September 16, 2016.
Co-Sponsored by:
Business
Hours
after
If your business is a member of the Portage County Business Council, every
associate at your organization is also a member. From the front line staff to
the CEO, and everyone in between! Please share the information you receive
from us with your associates, as they may wish to attend an event or program.
Additionally, every staff member is able to be on our email list and receive
communication from the council. To add an associate’s name to our email list,
simply email Tonya at tkowalsk@portagecountybiz.com and give her the first
name, last name, and email of the associate you wish to add.
BENEFIT
REMINDER
REGISTER HEREVIEW DIRECTIONS

10
P C B C | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 6
907 3rd Avenue
Hancock, WI 54943
(715)249-5555
http://www.hfinc.biz/
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.
HEARTLAND FARMS, INC.
MEMBER OF THE MONTH
“Heartland Farms, Inc., a member of the
Portage County Business Council since
1989, has been experiencing substantial
growth both in employment and
infrastructure. Heartland Farms is a 5th
generation family owned and operated
potato and vegetable farm with its main
location in Hancock, WI. In the past year,
they have added 15 full-time employees
to their growing team!
Heartland Farms’philosophy of putting people and communities first and
keeping up with the latest technologies has helped stimulate growth and has
put them in a great position for future success. With incorporating the latest
technologies and having a great team to support these technologies, Heartland
focuses on sustainability not only of their land and resources, but of the thriving
communities they are a part of.
Heartland Farms recently celebrated the Grand Opening of their new Farm
Operations, Technology & Training Center. This facility’s goal is to increase
collaboration and training within the company and with the community. Later
this year, their new grading and shipping facility will also be operational. This
75,000 square foot facility incorporates a state of the art design with the latest
in industrial technologies. When this project is complete, Heartland Farms will
have the ability to ship a load of potatoes in five minutes.
Being a member of the Portage County Business Council provides a great
opportunity to be actively engaged in local communities and for networking
with other local businesses. Supporting local businesses and communities is
a main focus for Heartland Farms and groups like the Portage County Business
Council foster this in an exceptional way.”
WELCOME TO OUR
NEWEST MEMBERS
Forward Financial Bank
207 W. 6th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 387-1122
For more information on
membership, contact our
Director of Business Engagement,
Tonya Kowalski, at
715-344-1940 or
tkowalsk@portagecountybiz.com
What are the
BENEFITS OF
MEMBERSHIP?
Your business
representatives are
invited to educational
and network development
events
List your own business’
events, jobs, and deals on
portagecountybiz.com
Receive referrals from
other PCBC members
Become a special event
sponsor to promote your
business
Display your marketing
materials in the PCBC
lobby and on the PCBC
website
Participate in your local
community

11
Community leaders joined Aspirus on August 23rd for a groundbreaking ceremony
at the Aspirus Stevens Point Clinic located at 5409 Vern Holmes Drive, Stevens Point.
Members of our Ambassadors Club and PCBC staff joined to celebrate this 40,000
square foot clinic and emergency department expansion.
On August 25th the community and PCBC staff attended the 5 Year Anniversary
celebration for The Bottle Stop located at 35C Park Ridge Drive, Stevens Point.
Congratulations to owner, Matt Lazarski!
AMBASSADORS AND PCBC STAFF SHOW
THEIR SUPPORT IN MANY WAYS

12
P C B C | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 6
The Portage County Business Council is excited to host
the 15th Annual Wines of the World event scheduled for
Friday, October 28, 2016.
Join us that evening from 6:00PM – 9:00PM at the NEWLY
REMODELED Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center,
1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point for an international
journey as we sample a selection of wines from around
the world featured by The Bottle Stop. A taste-tempting
array of fine cuisine prepared by the Holiday Inn Hotel
& Convention Center and Rockman’s Catering, a silent
auction,Wisconsin artisan cheeses and some imports from
Ski’s Meat Market,a beer bar by the Stevens Point Brewery,
hand crafted spirits from Great Northern Distilling, and
soft live jazz music will make the evening complete.
This event will provide an opportunity for guests to
network, socialize and have fun learning about wine.
Those in attendance will have a chance to win fabulous
door prizes including a Unique Dining Experience for 6
(catered dinner for 6 people in the privacy of your home
with Private Chef - Scott Rockman, owner of Rockman’s
Catering). One lucky winner will also go home with this
stunning 14KWhite Gold Pendant holding 5 Round Brilliant
Diamonds with a 14KT White Gold Box Chain valued at
$2,750 donated by LeeAyers Jewelers andThomas Dailing
Designs; and masterfully hand-created by Internationally
recognized jewelry designer Thomas Dailing.
Event reservations are as follows:
$50 per person for Business Council
members
$60 per person for Prospective
members
$65 per person the day of the event
Tickets are available at the Business
Council office or Ski’s Meat Market An
opportunity is also available for your
organization to participate in various
sponsorship levels (Members must be in good standing
with their membership dues to participate),with attractive
benefits at each. Here’s how it works:
THANKYOU TO ALL SPONSORS TO DATE
PRESENTING WINE SPONSOR:
FOOD SPONSORS:
EXCLUSIVE SOMMELIER MASTER
MEDIA SPONSOR:
JEWELRY SPONSOR: BEER SPONSOR:
and
Thomas Dailing Designs

13
The Business Council extends
an invitation to an event
like no other. Click Here to
register online.
To secure your sponsorship please
contact Karen Schanock at
or 715-344-1940 by
Friday, September 16, 2016.
Don’t miss this opportunity to take
part of an evening of fun, socializing
and education about wine.
PRINT SPONSOR:
CENTERPIECE EXCLUSIVE
SPONSORS:
HAND CRAFTED SPIRITS
SPONSOR:
CHEESE SPONSOR:
DESSERT SPONSOR:
Bordeaux Table
Sponsorship - $800
• Company listed as Bordeaux
sponsor on event program
• Verbal recognition at event
• Two months pre-event
recognition in Business Council
digital magazine
• Company logo displayed on
Wines of the World webpage
(including a “link” to company
website)
• Eight tickets to the event
• A company reserved table for
preferential seating at the event
(VIP designated area)
Brewery Table
Sponsorship - $800
• Company listed as Brewery
• Two month pre-event
digital magazine
• Company logo listed on Wines
of the World webpage
• Eight tickets to the event
• A company reserved table for
preferential seating at the event
(VIP designated area)
Chardonnay Table
Sponsorship - $500
• Company listed as Chardonnay
• One month pre-event
digital magazine
• Company name listed on Wines
• Four tickets to the event
• A shared company reserved
table for preferential seating at
the event (VIP designated area)
Chianti Bistro Table
Sponsorship - $250
• Company listed as Chianti
• Two tickets to the event
• A company reserved bistro table
at the event (VIP designated
area)
Stage Sponsorship -
SOLD OUT
Bill Bayba Realtor

14
P C B C | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 6
Wine Charm Exclusive
Sponsorship
SOLD OUT
Corkscrew Exclusive
Sponsorship
SOLD OUT
Wine Stopper Exclusive
Sponsorship - $350
• Requires Business Council
approval before wine stop order
is placed
• Wine Stopper with company
name given to all guests (wine
stoppers to be purchased by
sponsor)
• Company listed as sponsor on
event program
• Verbal recognition as Exclusive
Wine Stopper sponsor at event
• One month pre-event recognition
in Business Council digital
magazine
• Four tickets to the event
• A shared company reserved table
for preferential seating at the
event (VIP designated area)
Rating -Pen Exclusive
Sponsorship -
SOLD OUT
Dinner Napkin Exclusive
Sponsorship - SOLD OUT
Cocktail Napkin Exclusive
Sponsorship - $250
• Requires Business Council
approval before napkin order is
placed
• Napkin with company name given
to all guests (500 napkins to be
purchased by sponsor)
• Company listed as sponsor on
event program
• Verbal recognition as Exclusive
Cocktail Napkin sponsor at event
• One month pre-event recognition
in Business Council digital
magazine
• Two tickets to the event
Silent Auction Donor
The Business Council is also
seeking wine themed products
or services to be auctioned at the
Silent Auction during the event.
As a Silent Auction donor, the
Business Council promotes your
business and the merchandise and/
or service to over 375 business
professionals in attendance. Your
business will also be recognized
with a creative display during the
evening, which recognizes your
business and donated item.
For more information about the
event or sponsorships contact
Karen Schanock at
or 715-344-1940.
Proceeds from the event benefit
member programs and new
initiatives of the Business Council.
Click Here
to register online.

15

16
P C B C | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 6
THE BOTTLE STOP
TURNS FIVE
The Bottle Stop, 35 Park Ridge Drive, celebrated five years
in business. Matt Lazarski had always wanted his own
beverage business.
Working for other successful locally-owned enterprises-a
liquor distributor, a bar/restaurant and a retail beverage
outlet-he developed and honed the skills he knew he
would need.
Then in 2011, after a thirty-seven year run, the owner
of Park Ridge Liquors made it known that he wanted to
retire. Matt, with the encouragement and support of his
wife, Jen, also a successful business owner (Photography
by Jen), seized the opportunity and The Bottle Stop was
born.
The fresh paint was barely dry when he was approached
by Big Brothers and Big Sisters and participated in their
Taste of the Town fundraiser. Less than three months
later, he joined the Portage County Business Council
as exclusive wine sponsor for their annual Wines of the
World event.
Now after four“Best Beverage”awards at the Taste of the
Town, 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year, five Wines of the
World with PCBC and the 2015 birth of twins, The Bottle
Stop has turned five.
Asked about the keys to his success, Matt replied
“Informedcustomerserviceiscritical. Ourloyalcustomers
frequently look to us for advice. Our monthly newsletter,
which includes Chicago Bill’s Say Vino advisory column,
reaches over 500
households and our
Facebook page has
over 1,300 followers.
But also important
are our close vendor
relationships and
‘giving back’, being
involved in community
service.”
https://www.
facebook.com/
thebottlestop1/
Congratulations to Chris Northwood of
the Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group
office in Stevens Point for being awarded
NAR’s Realtor Emeritus at the recent Central
WisconsinBoardofRealtorsAnnualMeeting.
Since Chris began his career in 1976, he has
been a top producer and constant advocate
in Realtor affairs. He has been Director
for Wisconsin with the National Board of
Realtors, President of the local Board of
Realtors, President of the local MLS and
been an active member of various offices
and committees.
Chris has achieved designations which
include Certified Real Estate Brokerage
Manager (CRB), Certified Residential
Specialist (CRS), Graduate, REALTOR Institute
(GRI) and Accredited Buyer Representative
(ABR).ColdwellBankerTheRealEstateGroup
in Stevens Point is fortunate to have such a
distinguished broker within our office.
Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group is
the number one real estate company in
northeast Wisconsin.
More information can be found at
www.ColdwellHomes.com or by
calling the office at 715-295-5005.
NORTHWOOD AWARDED
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF REALRORS, REALTOR
EMERITUS

17
Ellis Continues Investment and
Expansion in Design Department
Ellis Construction is proud to
announce the return of Jeremy
Kleman as Design Specialist, AAIA,
LEED AP. Kleman returned to Ellis
in August of 2016.
Kleman graduated from the
Architectural- Residential Design
Program at NorthcentralTechnical
College and continues his credit
accumulation towards becoming
a Registered Architect.
According to Jim Anderson,
President of Ellis Construction,
“WehavebeenpositioningEllisfor
continued growth in the design-
build market, and the addition of
Jeremy will allow us significantly
greater capabilities to continue to
give our clients the very best.”
www.elliswi.com
WithamissionthatallchildreninPortage
County will be safe, healthy, and ready
for kindergarten, the newly named Born
Learning initiative will create a new
system of support for families prenatally,
and with children age 5 and younger.
Since announcing this early years-
focused initiative last year, community
partners, along with United Way of
Portage County, have been working
collectively to build a community system
that creates and invests in opportunities
for children to realize lifelong success.
The intent is to close the academic
achievement gap that exists in the
community.
The first phase of Born Learning will
be to fund home visitation services
to families who need support during
the earliest years of life. Home visitors
will visit families, bringing educational
materials and resources that promote
child development, health, safety, and
family support.
“Born Learning is an opportunity for
local citizens to work together to
achieve a strong economic future for
Portage County,” said Lisa Falduto, the
Born Learning Engagement Specialist
for United Way of Portage County.
“As private businesses and public
organizations continue to make a strong
commitment to this effort, we will create
health and education equity for our
youngest children. All Portage County
children will be safe, healthy and ready
for kindergarten.”
Falduto said all of the partners at the
table are working on specifics about
the Born Learning system. The public
and private partners include United
Way, Delta Dental ofWisconsin, Ministry
Health Care, Sentry Insurance, Stevens
Point Area Public School District, Aspirus,
Skyward, Marshfield Clinic, Rosholt
School District, and Portage County
Health & Human Services. Steering
committee representatives overseeing
the initiative include representatives
from those partners, as well as other
community leaders.
People can learn more at a Thursday,
Sept. 22, event open to the public. The
first ever Born Learning Summit will take
place at the SentryTheater on that date,
witha community resource fairfrom8:30
to 9 a.m. and the summit from 9 a.m. to
noon.
Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, an expert on the
importance of the early years, will speak
on “Early Brain and Child Development
(including Toxic Stress and Childhood
Adversity).” This will be followed by
Portage County Health & Human
Services’ presentation on “The Welfare
of Children in Portage County.”
The summit will conclude with a Born
Learning panel discussion featuring
Dr. Navsaria, Portage County Health &
Human Services Director Ray Przybelski,
State Sen. Julie Lassa, State Rep. Katrina
Shankland, and United Way of Portage
County Executive Director Sue Wilcox.
More information about Born
Learning is available online at
www.unitedwaypoco.org/bornlearning
or by calling 715-341-6740.
Born Learning initiative focuses on
children before they get to school
NEWSROOM

18
P C B C | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 6
Guest Speaker: Kristin M. Slonski,
Daubert Law Firm LLC
About Our Program: Why is it that so few
women - businesswomen, professional
women, career women – are reluctant
to call themselves“successful?” Perhaps
there is something in the word“success”
that prohibits us from embracing it as
being descriptive of us. Women far too
often fall into the trap of believing that
“success”is a definition bestowed upon
us by others, and that in order to be successful we must meet
certain goals that fall outside of the norm of our experiences in
life and in business. But, maybe we can learn to recognize that
the work we do, in the home and outside of it, is important.
And an important job done properly entitles a person to say
that she is successful. Maybe we can come to understand that
accomplishing what needs to be done and acting when action
needs to be taken is the very definition of success. And if we
allow ourselves to recognize that success, maybe we can also
allow ourselves to revel in it. This talk will examine ways in
which professional women can increase their happiness and
productivity by allowing themselves to define their lives and
careers as“successful.”
About Our Speaker: After serving for two years as a judicial
clerk for the Honorable J. Phil Gilbert, United States District
Judge for the Southern District of Illinois, Kristin M. Slonski
moved to Wisconsin and entered private practice. Kristin
taught undergraduate law classes as an adjunct professor at
the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. Kristin graduated
summa cum laude from Southern Illinois University School of
Law in 2007. While in law school, Kristin was awarded the
Southern Illinois University School of Law award for Academic
Excellence, the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois Foundation
Past Recipients’Scholarship, the Neil Fellowship for Public
Service, the James O. Monroe, Jr. Award for Excellence in
Writing, the National Association of Women Lawyers’Award,
and Best Comment – 2006 by the Southern Illinois University
Law Journal.
Kristin has published two scholarly articles. Before entering
law school, she served as an Arabic translator in the
United States Army, Active Duty. Kristin graduated from
the Defense Language Institute, Foreign Language Center
with a proficiency certificate in Arabic. She obtained her
undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota, Twin
Cities.
The focus of Kristin’s practice with Daubert Law Firm, LLC
is serving the litigation needs of the firm’s clients. Kristin is
actively engaged in the community, serving as a member
of the Marathon County United Way Volunteer Connection
Advisory Committee, Treasurer of the Riverview Elementary
School Parent-Teacher Organization, and as a member of
the Wausau Breakfast Optimists Club. In her free time, Kristin
enjoys playing guitar, reading, running and participating in
triathlons.
Don’t miss this event! For questions contact Karen Schanock at
715-344-1940 or kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com.
SAVE THE DATE…Thursday, December 8th event will be
sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection and will
be held at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, 1001
Amber Avenue, Stevens Point.
DIRECTIONS TO THE EVENT
Presentedby REGISTER HERE
Thursday, September 22, 2016
11:15 AM to 1:00 PM
Stevens Point Country Club (Club House),
1628 Country Club Drive, Stevens Point
Cost: $25/Person PCBC Members, $30/Person Prospective PCBC Members
Timeframe of Event:
11:15AM Registration & Networking
11:30AM Welcome
11:45AM Lunch (consisting of Vegetable
Minestrone Soup, Hot Ham & Swiss
Sandwich, Ice-Water with Lemon,
Coffee and an assortment of
Mini Cheesecakes
12:10PM Master of Ceremonies – Radio
Personality Nikki Montgomery from
Midwest Communications
12:15PM Guest Speaker Presentation
12:50PM Door Prize Giveaways
1:00PM Closing
(Vegetarian & Gluten Free Menu Option available upon request)
“Redefining Success – Coming to Recognize and Appreciate
the Joy of a Worthwhile Job Done Well
Special Thanks to our
Media Sponor
Midwest
Communications

19
Jason Wilatoski
Estimator, Ellis
Construction
Julie Ann Wrobel
Talent Development
Consultant, Sentry
Insurance
Katie Bembenek
Health Promotion
Coordinator, Portage
County Aging &
Disability Resource
Center
Kelly Gardner
Technical Resource
Center Manager, Delta
Dental of Wisconsin
Lisa Schaufenbuel
Associate Director of
Human Resources &
Affirmative Action,
UW-Stevens Point
Morgan Magnussen
Human Resources,
UW-Stevens Point
Nadene Miller
Stevens Point Contact
Center Site Manager,
Great Lakes Educational
Loan Services
Randy Zietlow
President / CFO,
Community First Bank
LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY
LPC Class of 2016-17 Participants
Like many students heading back to school this fall, the Leadership Portage County Class of 2016-17 anxiously began their
10-month program on Aug. 18-19. Day 1 participant introductions were guided by a rousing round of Get to Know You BINGO
and personality assessments. The class then got to know more about where we live and work thanks to a historical tour of
Portage County, hosted by the all-knowing and entertaining LPC honorary alumnus Anton Anday. From Heritage Park (Plover)
to Sacred Heart Parish (Polonia) to Rising Star Mill (Nelsonville) and finishing at the murals in downtown Stevens Point, the tour
provided the class with an ever-important history lesson of leadership.
Day 2 began at the beautiful Schmeeckle Reserve. The morning was filled with rich participant conversations facilitated by
Todd Kuckkahn and Vicki Carlson around the behaviors that exemplify authentic leadership and powerful presentations, as well
as opportunities for fun, yet meaningful networking. The participants were able to “play together” through a variety of team-
building exercises, including writing team résumés and untangling human knots. It was wonderful to see relationships forming
with each new experience. Last, but not least, the closing highlight of the retreat was the Portage County Road Rally Scavenger
Hunt. In teams of four, participants leveraged the knowledge gained during the Day 1 tour with Anton, and the strengths of each
team member, to solve the clues and navigate their way throughout the county, taking photos to catalog their adventures. It was
a perfect, purposeful way to end a wonderful retreat!

20
P C B C | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 6LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY
Amy Jahnke
Associate Attorney,
Anderson O’Brien
Amy Wavrunek
Workers Compensation
Claims Manager, Sentry
Insurance
Andy Kruit
Benefits Manager,
Waupaca Foundry, Inc.
Britney Almquist
Branch Manager, Bull’s
Eye Credit Union
Becca Greening
Creative Manager, Delta
Dental of Wisconsin
Dan Rosenow
Associate Director
of Compliance and
Product Development,
Sentry Insurance
Dave Drozd
Finance Manager,
Central Wisconsin
Airport
Derek Heikkinen
Director of Business
Services, North
Central Wis. Workforce
Development Board
Jamie Kiener
Lead Program Director,
Justiceworks, Ltd.
Eva Donohoo
College of Professional
Studies Assistant
to the Dean for
Communication,
UW-Stevens Point
Spencer Kohnen
Branch Manager/
Relationship Banker,
Paper City Savings
Tama Manske
Staffing Coordinator,
ABR Employment
Services

21
Tom Fish
Business Banking
Representative, River
Cities Bank
Tom Johnson
Manager of
Warehousing &
Logistics, Figi’s
Companies, Inc.
LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION:
Back-to-School is here and with it PIE (Partners In Education) programming is underway. If you
are interested in volunteering at upcoming PIE events like Reality Shops or Career Fairs, please
contact Kayla Rombalski at talent@portagecountybiz.com.
Save the date for these upcoming PIE events:
Wed. Oct. 5 - Heavy Metal Bus Tour
Wed. Oct. 5 - New Teacher/Faculty Welcome Business After Hours at Skyward REGISTER HERE!
Sat. Oct. 8 - Girls in Technology at MSTC
Sat. Oct. 22 - Reality Shop for Upward Bound students at UWSP
Wed. Nov. 9 - Reality Shop at SPASH
Not Pictured - Sara Totten, Director of Student Services, Stevens Point Area School District
LPC ROAD RALLY
Each year Leadership Portage County Participants enjoy a photo scavenger hunt during the opening retreat of
the program. Participants are asked to first answer clues about locations in Portage County, then to travel to those
locations and snap a photo. It’s a great way for participants to quickly make connections with the other individuals
on their team while having fun and engaging in a friendly competition. This year’s Road Rally was no exception.
To see more photos from the
scavenger hunt, check out the
Facebook Album.

22
P C B C | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 6
October
4 Wines of the World Planning Committee
Meeting, 3:00PM, Holiday Inn
5 New Teacher Business Welcome, 5:00PM
Skyward
6 Job Fair, 10:00AM - 7:00PM, Noel Hanger
12 Business X-Change, 7:30AM, PCBC
13 Ambassadors Club Meeting, 8:00AM, PCBC
17 Business Engagement Committee Meeting,
7:30AM, PCBC
17 Business After Hours, 5:00PM, Coldwell
Banker The Real Estate Group
20 SalesNet Meeting, 11:45AM, PCBC
28 Wines of the World, 6:00-9:00PM, Holiday
Inn Hotel & Convention Center
September7 Wines of the World Planning Committee
8 Ambassadors Club Meeting, 8:00AM,
PCBC
13 Ag Tour, 11:30AM, Heartland Farms
16 Legislative Candidate Forum, 7:00AM,
Stevens Point Country Club
14 Business X-Change, 7:30AM, PCBC
15 SalesNet Meeting, 11:45AM,
PCBC
19 Business After Hours, 5:00PM,
AFLAC & PuroClean
22 Women in Business Luncheon,
11:45AM, Stevens Point Country Club
Purchasing Portage County gift certificates continues to be a
successful way to “Buy Local”.
Portage County gift certificates make great gifts. Gift cer-
tificates can be purchased at most area banks, credit unions,
the Convention and Visitors Bureau or at our office. They can
be used at most businesses with a Portage County address
and are available in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $25, $50 &
$100.
The PCBC would like to thank everyone who participates for
helping make the program successful. We would also like to
thank BMO Harris Bank for their financial support of the
gift certificate program.
PORTAGE COUNTY GIFT CERTIFICATES
Didyouknowyoucouldpostjobopenings,eventsandpress
releasesonyourmembershiplogin?
ASKUSHOWTOACCESSYOURLOGIN
ADVERTISE WITH US
www.portagecountybiz.com
Check out member Job postings HERE!
For questions on advertising, please
contact Angel at
715-344-1940 or
admin@portagecountybiz.com.
2016 EVENTS

Portage County Business Council September Digital Magazine/TITLE

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (9)

Similar to Portage County Business Council September Digital Magazine/TITLE

Similar to Portage County Business Council September Digital Magazine/TITLE (20)

Portage County Business Council September Digital Magazine/TITLE