03.2014 \\ PORTAGE COUNTY, WISCONSIN

upcoming EVENTS \\

American Agriculture Appreciation BanquetMonday, March 10, 2014 \\ 6:00 pm - 8:45 pmBEST WESTERN Plover Hotel & Conference Center5253 Harding Avenue | Plover, WI 54467

» REGISTER

Small Business X-ChangeWednesday, March 12, 2014 \\ 7:30 am - 8:30 amPortage County Business Council, Foundation Room5501 Vern Holmes Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54482

» REGISTER

SalesNetThursday, March 13, 2014 \\ 11:45 am - 1:00 pmPortage County Business Council, Foundation Room5501 Vern Holmes Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54482

» REGISTER

Business After HoursMonday, March 17, 2014 \\ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pmEBI Emmons Business Interiors5225 Joerns Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54481

» REGISTER

Women in BusinessThursday, March 20, 2014 \\ 11:15 am - 1:00 pmHoliday Inn Hotel & Convention Center1001 Amber Avenue | Stevens Point, WI 54482

» REGISTER

School Board Candidate Forum for the Stevens Point Area Public School DistrictFriday, March 21, 2014 \\ 7:30 am - 9:00 am Portage County Business Council, Foundation Room5501 Vern Holmes Drive | Stevens Point, WI 54482

» REGISTER

IN THIS ISSUE \\

IT’S TIME FOR SOME BUSINESS ON THE GREEN! (6-7)

DON’T MISS OUR FIRST EVER WOMEN IN BUSINESS FASHION SHOW (5)

REGISTER FOR THE AG BANQUET TODAY! (3)

MEMBER OF THE MONTH - BEV’S FLORAL (4)

SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE FORUM TO BE HELD (8)

SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

AWARDS (5)

REALITY SHOP TEACHES VALUABLE LESSONS (8)

LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY LEARNS TO APPLY LEADERSHIP HABITS (8)

2014-2015 LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY APPLICATION (8)

NEW MEMBERS (4)

SMALL BUSINESS X-CHANGE (3)

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS (4)

BUSINESS BRIEFS (3)

2013 STATS + FACTS (3)

2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ROSTER (9)

PCBC CONTACT INFORMATION (9)

MARCH MEETING CALENDAR (9)

*If you’re reading this as a pdf online, click an article title above to jump directly to that page.

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER02

Erin Fritz recently joined The Samuels Group Accounting Department and is responsible for the processing of all non-payroll disbursements made by The Samuels Group. This includes vendor relations, data entry of vendor invoices, travel reimbursements, and other miscellaneous payments and reimbursements. Erin is a graduate of Northcentral Technical College.

The Samuels Group, Inc. is a preferred Midwest commercial construction contractor providing construction management, negotiated, and design/build services to healthcare, educational, commercial and government agencies. With offices in Wisconsin and Iowa, The Samuels Group team of experienced professionals provide a comprehensive approach to every project beginning with pre-construction all the way through project construction and interior commercial furnishings provided by Environments, a division of The Samuels Group. \\

The 2013 Spudman Emerging Leader Award was presented to Jeremie Pavelski of Heartland Farms, Hancock. The award was presented at the National Potato Council Awards banquet on January 10, 2014 in San Antonio, TX.

Jeremie serves as the President of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA), while also serving as a Wisconsin board member on the National Potato Council (NPC). He also chairs the WPVGA’s Water Task Force as well as the Chip Committee. Active in his community, Jeremie serves on the Adams County Rural and Industrial Development Commission. He regularly sponsors and hosts classes of children from local schools for tours at Heartland Farms.

Heartland Farms is a fifth generation irrigated Potato & Vegetable farm operating in five counties of Wisconsin and currently farm approximately 15,000 irrigated acres.\\

Applied Tech, a Wisconsin-based IT firm, announced it has been named to CRN’s Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list as one of the MSP Pioneer 250. The annual list recognizes the top technology providers and consultants in North America whose cutting-edge approach to managed services puts end-user customers in the best position to improve efficiencies, cut costs and speed time to market for their own products and services.\\

Welling Kitchen & Bath of Stevens Point has beenawarded “Best Of Houzz” by Houzz, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. The17 year old Kitchen & Bath design company was chosen by the more than 16 million monthlyusers that comprise the Houzz community.“Houzz provides homeowners with the most comprehensive view of home building, remodeling and design professionals, empowering them to find and hire the right professional to execute their vision,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of community for Houzz. “We’re delighted to recognize Welling Kitchen & Bath among our “Best Of” professionals for customer satisfaction as judged by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts who are actively remodeling and decorating their homes.”\\

Katy Bailey of the Little Online Marketing Company will be attending the Digital Advertising + Marketing Summit in Milwaukee on March 19. She is excited to bring the latest marketing trends and tactics back to Central Wisconsin and teach area businesses how to better engage with their customers. \\

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 \\

» CLICK HERE TO REGISTER> Continental Breakfast served> No cost to attend but the value of the information may be priceless!

SPONSOR

TOPIC: “INCREASE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY & PROFITS USING EXCEL”At this X-Change participants will learn:1. How linking data from one spreadsheet to another can save you time, increase your productivity, increase your data accuracy, and increase your bottom line. 2. How pivot tables, pivot charts, and slicers can help you analyze your data quickly. 3. How macros will make you more productive by virtually eliminating everyday (every month) time consuming tasks.

Key points that participants will learn as a result of attending:1. How Excel will make you more productive.2. How Excel can help you analyze data quickly to spot trends.3. How Excel will help improve your data accuracy.4. How using Excel to its full potential can increase your profits.

PRESENTED BYTina Grezinski currently teaches Excel for Rasmussen College. Tina graduated with a BA in Accounting from Michigan State University and later from the University of Phoenix with an MBA in Technology Management. Tina has worked in accounting for over 20 years, helping to automate and increase productivity at every company and in almost every department. Her passion is to help you gain your fullest potential using Excel to improve the organization and efficiency of both your work and home lives.

ABOUT SMALL BUSINESS X-CHANGESmall Business X-Change meets regularly throughout the year at the Portage County Business Council office. A roundtable series of meetings that allows 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-CHANGE3.12.14 \\ 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

PCBC FOUNDATION ROOM

0303.2014 \\ PORTAGE COUNTY, WISCONSIN

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS3.17.14 \\ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM» CLICK HERE TO REGISTER » MAP

HOST\

Location of Event: Emmons Business Interiors5225 Joerns DriveStevens Point, WI 54481

Enjoy complimentary hor d’oeuvres, refreshments, and door prize giveaways, including a HON Nucleus Chair (valued at over $800!!!)

No Cost to attend!Pre-registration is appreciated.Please RSVP by Friday, March 14, 2014.

» CLICK HERE TO REGISTERBusiness Council members and their guests are invited to attend the 2013 American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet. We will also recognize several individuals who have contributed to the success of agri-business in Portage County.

WHEREBEST WESTERN Plover Hotel & Conference Centerwith Rockman’s Catering5253 Harding Avenue, Plover, WI

REGISTRATION$26 Per PersonClick link above to Register Online or call 715-344-1940

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS6:00-7:00PM - Social Cash Bar and Complimentary Hors d’ oeuvres

7:00-8:15PM – Dinner & Presentation Dinner & Featured Keynote, Ken Schroeder, Executive Secretary of 2014 Portage County Farm Technology Days & Portage County Agriculture Agent

8:15-8:45PM - Awards

Presentation of Outstanding FFA Seniors to be awarded to:• Lindsay Rutz from Amherst High School• Haley Dexter from Rosholt High School• Mary Lutz from Stevens Point Area Senior High

School

4-H Leadership in Agriculture to be awarded to:• Wyatt Adams, Plover

Agri-Business Scholarships to be awarded to:• Wyatt Adams, Plover• Josey Pukrop, Stevens Point• Mike Sankey, Amherst

Presentation of Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award:• Wysocki Family of Companies

The Portage County Business Council is pleased to announce Mr. Ken Schroeder as keynotespeaker for the banquet. His presentation will be “Portage County Farm Technology Days 2014: What’s It All About?”

The Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is the largest agricultural show in Wisconsin and one of the largest in the nation. The three-day outdoor event showcases the latest improvements in production agriculture, including many practical applications of recent research findings and technological develop-ments. Portage County will host Farm Technology Days August 12-14, 2014, 32 years after hosting then Farm Progress Days. Come learn about the history behind this great event, how it benefits the local economy, and how you can be a part of Portage County Farm Technology Days 2014.

What you will hear:• History of Wisconsin Farm Technology Days and

who attend this event.• How Farm Technology Days benefits the local

economy.• How you can be a part of Farm Technology Days

2014.• What’s happening right now.

About Our Speaker: Ken Schroeder is the University of Wisconsin-Extension Agriculture Agent for Por-tage County, specializing in Commercial Vegetable Production. His vegetable programming reaches be-yond 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.

Additionally, Ken serves as Executive Secretary for the 2014 Portage County Farm Technology Days.

Don’t miss this event!

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

REGISTER FOR THE AMERICAN AGRICULTURE APPRECIATION BANQUET TODAY!

3.10.14 \\ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

CLICK THE GRAPHIC BELOW TO VIEW OUR 2013 STATS + FACTS

2013 American Agriculture Appreciation Banquet

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER04

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 “B”.member of the MONTH

THE HORTON GROUP, INCNATHAN PEZEWSKIWausau \\ 715-842-2043 \\ http://www.thehortongroup.com\\nathan.pezewski@thehortongroup.com \\ Join Date \\ 2/1/2014

YOUNGER ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS, LLCDAN BLUMENSTEINStevens Point \\ 715-340-3082\\ http://www.youngersystems.com\\dan@youngersystems.com \\ Join Date \\ 2/6/2014

OFFICE ENTERPRISES INCBOB LAMOVECWeston \\ 715-359-8737 \\ http://www.off-ent.com\\info@off-ent.com \\ Join Date \\ 2/10/2014

a bit aboutOUR NEWEST MEMBERS \\

DO YOU KNOW A LOCAL BUSINESS THAT WOULD BENEFIT FROM MEMBERSHIP?CONTACTMary Jo Monday715-344-1940 \\ mmonday@portagecountybiz.com

BEV’S FLORAL492 Division Street \\ Stevens Point, WI(715) 345-1661 \\ http://www.flowersbevsfloral.com \\ bevsfloral@yahoo.com \\Join Date \\ 11/4/2002

What they have to say \\ Bev’s Floral has been serving Stevens Point and the surrounding area for 29 years. We are continually enriching our education with classes highlighting the latest in floral techniques and design trends to bring to all of our customers, both local and around the world. We have recently mastered the art of weaving and interlacing foliages for contemporary and tropical designs. These designs are used more often in corporate work and most recently in bereavement situations. Bev’s has also held classes to bring some of the new knowledge to community members.

Along with our floral selections, blooming and green plant availability we have expanded our gift line to include Scarves, Gloves, Bags and costume Jewelry by Trezo. We also added new dimensions to our Seattle Chocolate selections. We are excited about the new lines and continue to provide our customers with a one stop shopping experience.

Bev’s Floral customers have helped us hold a spot in Teleflora’s “TOP 1000 Shops in the World” for the last 4 years. Since 2001 we have had a 150% growth, despite 2 major economic downturns. The staff at Bev’s specializes in customer service. We strive to turn our customer’s vision into reality. Bev’s continues to be very active in local community service organizations such as The Salvation Army, Place of Peace, Neighborhood Table, Make a Difference Day, Bowl for Kids, Oakridge, and ODC to name a few.

Bev’s Floral has been a member of the Portage County Business Council (PCBC) since 2002. PCBC has provided Bev’s with opportunities such as Women in Business luncheons. These luncheons afforded networking opportunities for the staff with other women in business for fun, informative learning programs.

The social events like Business After Hours have allowed us to share ideas, network and tour businesses during non-working hours. After hours events like these promote a more relaxed and enjoyable environment.

The Small Business X-change has been a valuable tool, as well. Meeting with local industry leaders and PCBC members in a more formal setting; we’ve discussed topics like marketing and advertisement strategies. The conversations help address the positive and sometimes negative effects relating to these and other subjects. Members can share experiences and are able to apply what others have learned to their business.

PCBC has been there for Bev’s Floral and continues to be there for all of its members and our community.

Businesses can use their website login to:-post job openings*

-create, post, and register for events -manage account-view member directory-post hot deals

Did you forget your username and/or password to login on our website? Call our office or email us at admin@portagecountybiz.com and we will get it for you! Remember, all of these services are free as part of your membership dues. The more services you use, the more value you get out of your membership!

We want you to get the most out of your membership. Please call us at 715-344-1940 if you have any questions.

*member job postings are also posted to the PCBC facebook and twitter page, for free.

03.2014 \\ PORTAGE COUNTY, WISCONSIN 05

» CLICK HERE TO REGISTERPRESENTED BY

Women in Business is scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2014. Join us from 11:15AM to 1:00PM at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center, Stevens Point, WI for our FIRST EVER FASHION SHOW. Treat yourself to see the unique selection of clothing, accessories and one-of-a-kind pieces by Girls & Pearls Boutique and Sandra’s Lasting Impressions. We will see what’s chic on the streets and trends to watch out for this season.

LOCATIONHoliday Inn Hotel & Convention Center1001 Amber Avenue, Stevens Point 54482

ITINERARY11:15AM Registration and Networking11:30AM Welcome11:45AM Lunch (Consisting of Salad with French & Ranch Dressings, Chicken Breast stuffedwithApples&BrieCheese,Wild Rice Blend, Seasonal Vegetable, Rolls, Coffee,TeaorMilk,andLemon-Berry Cake for Dessert) Vegetarian or Gluten Free Options available upon request12:15AM Fashion Show1:00PM Door Prize Giveaways and Closing

REGISTRATIONClick link above for online registration. You can also register by calling the Business Council office at 715/344-1940.

COST$23/person for members $30/person for prospective-members

MEDIA SPONSORSpecial thanks to Midwest Communications Radio Group.

UPCOMING WOMEN IN BUSINESS EVENTSThursday, June 26, 2014 Pfiffner Building Lodge in Pfiffner Park with Rockman’s CateringPresenting Sponsor: Wisconsin Public Service Corporation

Thursday, September 25, 2014Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention CenterPresenting Sponsor: Ministry Health Care

Thursday, December 11, 2014SentryWorld Sports Center, Grand Hall (formerly known as High Court)Presenting Sponsor: CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

DON’T MISS OUR FIRST EVER WOMEN IN BUSINESS FASHION SHOW!

Fashion ShowJoin us for the FIRST EVER Women In Business

Thursday, March 20 luncheon and fashion show

11:15am til 1:00pmHoliday Inn Hotel & Convention Center

Only $23 for PCBC members or $30 for prospective members

To register, visit www.portagecountybiz.comor call (715) 344 1940.

sponsored by

SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR FRIEND OF SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARDS» CLICK HERE FOR FRIEND OF SMALL BUSINESS NOMINATION FORM» CLICK HERE FOR ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR NOMINATION FORMThe Portage County Business Council invites you to nominate a business or businessperson for one of the prestigious 2014 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 2, 2014.

Your nominations are due by Monday, March 17, 2014. Self nominations are encouraged.

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

3.20.14 \\ 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER06

» CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE WISCONSIN RIVER GOLF CLUB» CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE STEVENS POINT COUNTRY CLUBThe Ambassadors Club of the Portage County Business Council will be holding their 25th annual golf outing, Business on the Green on Monday, June 2, 2014 at two highly rated Wisconsin courses—Stevens Point Country Club and the Wisconsin River Golf Club. With over 280 golfers participating and additional business representatives attending the 19th Hole Networking Event (after golf), the 2014 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! Limited Sponsorships Remain! Here is how it works…

2014 BUSINESS ON THE GREEN SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIESDIAMOND LEVEL $1,600Corporate sponsor of 19th Hole Networking Event• Company logo on two banners provided by Business Council hung at

prominent locations at 19th Hole Networking Event and by registration at two courses

• Company logo on 11” x 17” sign provided by Business Council displayed on your company golf carts at two courses

• Company logo on registration brochure and event program• Three months of promotion in Business Council 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 two 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, range balls, 16 beverage tickets for domestic beer or soda and 8 lunches

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

Event

GOLD LEVEL $850Corporate sponsor of one hole at the golf event on one course• Company logo on 24”x 36” sign provided by Business Council for hole on

golf course• Company name on registration brochure and event program• Two months of promotion in Business Council 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 two courses and at the 19th

Hole Networking Event• Up to two lunches for those staffing the hole during the outing• Four golfer passes at 18-hole event - your choice of course – includes green

fees, carts, range balls, 8 beverage tickets for domestic beer or soda and 4 lunches

• Four dinner tickets for 19th Hole Networking Event

GOLD LEVEL (2) $325Corporate Sponsor of one hole at the golf event on one course• Company logo on 24”x 36” sign provided by Business Council for hole on

golf course• Company name on registration brochure and event program• Two months of promotion in Business Council 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 two courses and at the 19th

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

NEW SILVER RUNNER LEVEL $625 - ONLY 1 SPONSOR PER COURSEExclusive Corporate Sponsor of 2 Runner Carts (2 carts per course). Sponsor is responsible for providing 2 cell phones for use at event by Ambassador volunteers.• Company logo on 11” x 17” sign provided by Business Council displayed on

two runner carts at one course• Company name on registration brochure and event program• Opportunity to decorate two runner carts with your corporate colors • (sponsor picks theme)• Two months of promotion in Business Council 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• Two golfer passes at 18-hole event - includes green fees, cart, range balls, • 4 beverage tickets for domestic beer or soda and 2 lunches• Two dinner tickets for 19th Hole Networking Event

BEVERAGE CART SPONSORS $600Corporate Sponsor of all beverage carts at two courses• Company logo on decals provided by Business Council displayed on all

beverage carts at two courses• Company name on all complimentary nonalcoholic beverage tickets at two

courses• Company name on registration brochure and event program• Two months of promotion in Business Council 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• Two golfer passes at 18-hole event - includes green fees, cart, range balls, • 4 beverage tickets for domestic beer or soda and 2 lunches• Two dinner tickets for 19th Hole Networking Event

LUNCH SPONSORS $600CorporateSponsorofLuncheonattwocourses• Company logo on 24”x 36” sign provided by Business Council for display at

Snack Shops at two courses• Company logo advertised with each golfer lunch at two courses• Company name on registration brochure and event program• Two months of promotion in Business Council 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• Two golfer passes at 18-hole event - includes green fees, cart, range balls, • 4 beverage tickets for domestic beer or soda and 2 lunches• Two dinner tickets for 19th Hole Networking Event

IT’S TIME FOR SOME BUSINESS ON THE GREEN!6.2.14 \\ 8:30 AM REGISTRATION

03.2014 \\ PORTAGE COUNTY, WISCONSIN 07

EXCLUSIVE PUTTING CONTEST SPONSORCorporate sponsor of Putting Contest on one courseSponsorwillberesponsibletostafftheholeduringoutingandprovideprizevaluedat a minimum of $50• Company logo on 24”x 36” sign provided by Business Council for putting

hole on golf course• Company name on registration brochure and event program• One month of promotion in Business Council 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 $300Corporate sponsor of Hole in One Contest on one courseValueofprizeandcostofinsurancemustbeprovided• Company logo on 24”x 36” sign provided by Business Council for hole on

golf course• Company name on registration brochure and event program• One month of promotion in Business Council 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, range balls, 4 beverage tickets for domestic beer or soda and 2 lunches

• Two dinner tickets for 19th Hole Networking Event

HOLE EVENT PRIZE SPONSORSCorporatedonationofprize(s)forspecialeventgamesongolfcourse(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, range balls, 4 beverage tickets for domestic beer or soda, 2 lunches and 2 dinner tickets for 19th Hole Networking Event

RAFFLE PRIZE SPONSORSCorporatedonationofprize(s)forBusinessontheGreenraffle• Company name displayed with donated raffle prize(s) at the19th Hole

Networking Event• Company name on raffle ticket (must meet print deadline)• Company name on signs during the event at two courses and at the 19th

Hole Networking Event• Company name on event program if product amount values $1,000 or

more• Buy one get one free golfer pass at 18-hole event if product amount

values $1,000 or more - includes green fees, cart, range balls, 4 beverage tickets for domestic beer or soda, 2 lunches and 2 dinner tickets for 19th Hole Networking Event

This opportunity for sponsorship is on a first-come, first-served basis. To confirm your sponsorship, please contact Karen Schanock at 715/344-1940 or kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com by Friday, April 4, 2014. 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. $125 per person.

IT’S TIME FOR SOME BUSINESS ON THE GREEN!6.2.14 \\ 8:30 AM REGISTRATION

THE ACTIVE VOICE \\ PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL NEWSLETTER08

SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE FORUM TO BE HELD

» CLICK HERE TO REGISTERThe Legislative Committee of the Portage County Business Council (PCBC) is hosting a candidate forum for those candidates registered and running for the election of office to the school board. The forum is scheduled for Friday, March 21, 2014 from 7:30 am – 9:00 am at the Portage County Business Council office, 5501 Vern Holmes Drive, Stevens Point. All eight candidates who are on the ballot as of the filing deadline have been invited to participate.This event is open to PCBC members only with limited seating available. Questions will be prepared by members of the Legislative Committee prior to the forum. The moderator will read the question with the order of response determined by lot when the candidates arrive that morning. To register, follow this link or for more information please contact Bill Christiansen, PCBC’s Director of Foundation at 715-344-1940 or fdn@portagecountybiz.com

LEADERSHIP PORTAGE COUNTY LEARNS TO APPLY LEADERSHIP HABITSOn February 20th, Leadership Portage County participants learned about the concepts of Leading from Within, Utility Infrastructures, and Economic Development. The session was held at the Wisconsin Public Service Building in Plover. Dave Schanke, from UWSP, taught us about the character traits of Awareness and Percep-tion – How every life experience can lead to leadership. MaryBeth Slezak, from The Noel Group, along with Connie Janowski, from Travel Guard, shared their insights about the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Gary Oudenhoven, from WPS, led a tour of the WPS facility and gave a presentation on Utility Infrastructures. Dan Mahoney, the Village of Plover Administrator, shared his insight about the Crossroad Commons Development and its impact on Portage County. Thank you to everyone who helped make the day a success!

Interested in joining the 2014-2015 Leadership Portage County class? Follow the link below for the application. For more information or if you have questions, contact Bill Christiansen at fdn@portagecountybiz.com or 715-344-1940.

» CLICK HERE FOR THE 2014-2015 LPC APPLICATION

2014 PLATINUM PIE INVESTORS

As Gary Oudenhoven leads a tour of the WPS facility, LPC participants learn about the history and present operations.

MaryBeth and Connie engage the participants in a discussion about the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

REALITY SHOP TEACHES VALUABLE LIFE LESSONS TO LOCAL JR HIGH STUDENTSReality Shop, a cooperative program between the PCBC Foundation and the schools in Portage County, helps students in both Middle School and High School learn the challenges of balancing a family’s monthly budget. At St. Peter’s, the students study potential careers and are given a salary based on their career choice. Then they ‘shop’ for all of the essentials necessary for a family and must create a balanced budget by living within their means. It’s a great opportunity for the students to learn the challenges and rewards of family finances. Special thanks to Sandi Litchfield from St Peters who coordinated the activities at the school and to all of the parents and community volunteers who helped make the day a success!

3.21.14 \\ 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

03.2014 \\ PORTAGE COUNTY, WISCONSIN 09

March 2014

13 Ambassador Club Meeting, 8:00am, PCBC19 Executive Committee, 7:30am, Anderson O’Brien21 School Board Candidate Forum, 7:30am, PCBC26 Board of Directors, 7:30am, PCBC

meetings & other DATES \\

Executive BoardKeith Pilger - President, Anderson O’Brien Ken Erler - Vice President, Sentry InsuranceDavid McHone - Past President , Central WI Management Services, LLCSue Wille - Treasurer, Ligman & Wille CPA LLCErik Carlson - Member at Large, Ellis Stone Construction CompanyLisa Sobczak - Member at Large, ABR Employment ServicesDoug Ballweg - Member at Large, Delta Dental of WisconsinLori Dehlinger, Executive Director, Portage County Business Council, Inc.

Board of DirectorsTom Altmann - Altmann Construction CompanyLorraine Avery - Associated BankLisa Bourget - Travel Guard, Inc.Patty Dreier - Portage County ExecutiveDavid Eckmann - University of Wisconsin - Stevens PointJim Firminhac - WoodTrust BankScott Glinski - SkywardAndrew Halverson - City of Stevens PointO. Phillip Idsvoog - Portage County Board Lonnie Krogwold - Portage County Board Todd Kuckkahn - Stevens Point Area Catholic SchoolsDeb Marten - Marten MachiningCherrie Marti - Ministry Saint Michael’s HospitalRichard O’Sullivan - Mid-State Technical CollegeJim Petersen - Marshfield ClinicSusan Placzek - SentryWorld Sports CenterDan Schlutter - Village of PloverAttila Weninger - Stevens Point Area Public SchoolsWard Wolff - First Weber Group RealtorsRob Wyman - River Valley Bank (Ambassador)Gary Wysocki - Paragon FarmsRobert Worth - The Worth Company (Director Emeritus)

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

2014 pcbc / foundation board of DIRECTORS \\

PCBC / Foundation StaffLori Dehlinger - Executive Director

Mary Jo Monday - Director of Member Relations

Karen Schanock - Director of Programs & Events

Bill Christiansen - Director of Foundation

Kari Thompson - Business & Office Operations Director

Sarah Bosshart - Administrative / Marketing Assistant

Email Addressesldehling@portagecountybiz.com

mmonday@portagecountybiz.com

kschanoc@portagecountybiz.com

fdn@portagecountybiz.com

acctg@portagecountybiz.com

admin@portagecountybiz.com

The Active VoiceQuestions / Comments:

Sarah Bosshart \\ admin@portagecountybiz.com

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PORTAGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL & FOUNDATION \\ 5501 VERN HOLMES DRIVE \\ STEVENS POINT, WI 54482 \\ P 715-344-1940 \\ F 715-344-4473

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

Portage County gift certificates make 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 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.

BUY LOCAL

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

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» CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFOFor questions, please contact Sarah at 715-344-1940 or admin@portagecountybiz.com.

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