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Published by APG Media of Wisconsin, LLC, 2019-12-12 14:17:41

Business Leader | Fall 2015

Business Leader | Fall 2015

Keywords: businesses

FALL 2015

Own your retirement Local employee stock ownership plans

Plus

● F rom farm to
drafting table

● Field of dreams
● Caught on film

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2 | ♦ September 28, 2015

FALL 2015 Pg 4 COVER STORY

➤ Guest Columns ������������������������ Pages 9 & 11 Realityworks provides ESOP for workers.
➤ Book Review ���������������������������������� Page 14
➤ Honor Roll of Business �������������������� Page 21 COMMUNITY PROFILES
➤ Business Directory �������������������������� Page 27
➤ Briefcase ��������������������������������������� Page 28
➤ Crossword ������������������������������������� Page 32
➤ Calendar ��������������������������������������� Page 33
➤ By The Numbers ����������������������������� Page 38

Graphic Design & Layout ~ Pg 12 Pg 16 Pg 18
_Jo_h_n_B_al_g_aa_rd_
Tim Auth, Bryan Symes and Tim Runge profiled.
Sales Director ~
K_a_t_hy_.H_a_y_d_en_@_e_c_pc_.c_o_m_ FEATURE STORY

Magazine Advertising &
Distribution Coordinator ~

[email protected]

Editor ~ Pg 20

[email protected] Focus on Energy influence abounds.

715-833-9215 or 800-236-7077 For more information or to be included in the next
Honor Roll of Business, contact magazine coordinator
This quarter’s edition of Business Leader includes the Catie Carlson at 715-830-5823 or [email protected].
2015 Honor Roll of Business.
The annual promotion celebrates all participating Startups, institutions
companies by listing the number of years they’ve been
in business. Those that are more than 100 years old are This installment of Business Leader recognizes the
welcome, as are those in their infancy and those that fall longevity and success of several area companies and
in between. It’s an opportunity for all to showcase their touts current efforts to further entrepreneurism. A healthy
presence in the Chippewa Valley. business climate strikes a balance with new ideas and
established businesses. The Chippewa Valley seems to be
This year’s ages in the Honor Roll range from 157 years enjoying success on both fronts right now.
to 9. Connell’s Family Orchard’s roots date back to 1858.
To put that in perspective, it’s the same year that the first As always, thanks go out to the advertisers and readers
Macy’s opened as a dry goods store in New York City. for making this publication possible.
Sales came to $11.06 on its first day.

Published four times per year by the Leader-Telegram advertising department. Copyright 2015 Eau Claire Press Co., 701 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire, WI 54701. All rights reserved. 800-236-7077. www.leadertelegram.com

COVER STORY

Own your retirement

Staff photo
by Marisa Wojcik

Realityworks general accountant
Vicki Gindt, left, and marketing automation
specialist Emily Kuhn both participate in the Eau
Claire company's employee stock ownership plan, or ESOP.

ABy Eric Lindquist, Leader-Telegram staff ➤ Realityworks
ll companies want workers to
feel like they have a stake in their Two of the guiding principles of ESOPs are
employer’s success.
But only a handful of west- emblazoned on a plaque on the wall at Realityworks
central Wisconsin companies put
their money where their mouths in the form of quotes from co-founders Rick and
are by making that stake financial
and not just psychological. Mary Jurmain at the time they announced the plan to
Those companies, including Realityworks in Eau
Claire, Short Elliott Hendrickson in Chippewa Falls employees.
and D&S Manufacturing in Black River Falls, make
an owner out of all employees through an employee “One of our strong values has always been that the
stock ownership plan, or ESOP.
people who do the work deserve the rewards. You do
Overall, the National Center for Employee Ownership
estimates there are roughly 7,000 ESOPs covering about the work, so you deserve the rewards,” Rick Jurmain
13.5 million employees across the country.
told employees.
An ESOP is an employee benefit plan that is
qualified by the Internal Revenue Service, resulting Mary Jurmain added, “Realityworks’ future
in favorable tax treatment for both participants and
employers. The arrangement calls for employers has always been in your hands. Now you will be
to give workers an ownership interest in the firm
by depositing shares of the company’s stock into a rewarded for continuing its success.”
retirement account for each participant. The workers
don’t pay anything for those shares, but they can rise Company president Timm Boettcher said the ESOP
in value along with the company.
ownership model fits perfectly into

Realityworks’ all-for-one, one-for-

all culture in which employees

always have been encouraged to

adopt an ownership mentality.

“The goal is to make sure the

Boettcher people driving and building the
company are getting to reap some

of the benefits as well,” Boettcher said.

The company surprised employees by launching

the ESOP in 2012. Some attended the secretive COVER STORY
announcement meeting feeling uneasy amid
speculation the gathering could be to announce Staff photo by Marisa Wojcik
the sale of the company. The mood changed A poster at Realityworks highlights the company's ESOP.
dramatically when the real purpose was
revealed.

“It was a pretty awesome feeling that the
owners of the company could basically gift part
of their ownership to us,” said Vicki Gindt, an
accountant who has worked at the firm for 18
years.

The arrangement came about when the
Jurmains were looking for an exit strategy —
a way to pull away from the company they
created and still leave their baby in good hands.
Who better to leave in charge, they thought,
than the people who make the company
successful every day.

“They saw an ESOP as the best
way to protect the mission and the
vision and the jobs,” said Mary
Stenvig, chief financial officer for
Realityworks and a board member
for the 200-member Wisconsin
chapter of The ESOP Association.
Stenvig “It’s a great way to pass the torch.”

See page 6

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September 28, 2015 ♦ |5

from Page 5

COVER STORY Indeed, about two-thirds of ESOPs are used to
provide a market for the shares of departing owners
of profitable, closely held companies, according to Contributed photo
the NCEO. The Jurmains, who were sole owners An employee welds at D&S Manufacturing in Black River Falls.
before launching the ESOP, remain majority The company has more than 45 welders certified through the American Welders Society.
shareholders and continue to serve on the board of
directors of Realityworks, which makes experiential employees so they would have something for
learning tools including a RealCare Baby infant retirement,” said John Barkley, vice president and
simulator, a welding simulator and several other general manager. “Now people really have an
career preparation educational products. opportunity to become owners and control their own
destiny to some extent. Everybody has some skin in
It takes about 18 months for employees to be the game.”
eligible for stock allocation, so at this point about
50 of the company’s 65 employees are vested in the Along with making employees majority owners,
ESOP. The value of their shares has risen to about managers opened up D&S’s finances so workers
$500,000, which is on top of their normal 401(k) could understand how what they do affects the
retirement plans that include a company matching company’s bottom line as well as their own,
contribution, Boettcher said. Barkley said.

“It’s one more egg you have in your basket,” Emily The company actively seeks input on corporate
Kuhn, a marketing automation specialist who has decisions, including designating an employee
worked for the company for two years, said of the committee to review all large capital equipment
ESOP’s role in her retirement plan. purchases. As a reminder of their stake, the firm
posts the purchase price on all machines.
Since Realityworks adopted the ESOP model,
employee engagement has definitely increased, Barkley said the company used to have the
Stenvig said. normal top-down structure but has drastically
changed its culture since adopting the ESOP
“I feel employees look at the business differently now model, where nearly all of the firm’s 160
and look at how they can affect the results,” she said. employees have a vested ownership interest.

As a result, Boettcher said, managers talk about “Having that kind of atmosphere here, there’s
the long-term decisions they make and employees no question it’s been a plus,” Barkley said. “And
understand the reasoning behind those decisions. from a competitive standpoint, 160 minds are
Employees also feel free to make suggestions or even better than three.”
propose new product ideas.
While a small percentage of employees might
“It’s not just a job anymore,” Boettcher said.
“You’re coming to work, but also coming to
something you have an ownership stake in.”

Kuhn called the firm’s recent ESOP meeting
incredibly motivating.

“There’s a strong sense that what you do matters
and that the harder you work, the more you are
rewarded,” Kuhn said.

➤ D&S Manufacturing

When D&S Manufacturing launched its initial
ESOP about two decades ago, it handed ownership
of about a third of the company to employees.

The plan was successful enough that two years
ago when company president Mike Dougherty, the
son of late founder Jim Dougherty, was looking at
succession planning he decided to expand the ESOP,
making employees owners of 60 percent of the
custom metal fabrication company.

“It’s always been a very community-focused
company, and he wanted to do something for the

rather just do their job and not have to worry about the for the firm’s Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana
ownership aspect, Barkley said surveys show the vast majority
have bought in and realize the ESOP gives them a chance to operations. “It makes it very easy to recruit from
have a meaningful say in the direction of the company as well
as providing a valuable financial benefit. the big publicly owned firms or tightly held

Barkley said he believes the ESOP has improved firms because everybody wants to own a piece of
productivity, noting that D&S had 70 employees and $7
million in annual sales when it introduced the ESOP and the rock.”
now has more than doubled its workforce and more than
quadrupled its sales. And it’s no wonder, said Broses, who joined

“With that kind of growth, you can imagine what has the firm a few months before the ESOP started, Broses
happened to the stock,” he said. because the company stock he has acquired

That, in turn, has helped with employee retention. through the program has grown into one of the larger
“We don’t lose a lot of people, and I think the ESOP is a big
part of that,” Barkley said. “But more than that, it’s how we components of his retirement nest egg.
treat people.”
“It’s great,” he said. “Even when we
➤ SEH
hit bad economic times, our company
In the engineering world, companies typically have one of
three ownership models: publicly owned firms, partnerships has managed to fund our ESOP
or, in rare cases, ESOPs.
fully every year.”
SEH, which is based in St. Paul and has an office in
Chippewa Falls, went the ESOP route 20 years ago and has During the life of the plan,
found it to be an excellent recruiting and retention tool.
SEH has grown from less than
“It happens all the time that people come here because of the
ESOP,” said Mark Broses, vice president and regional leader 200 employees in seven offices

to 750 people in 30 offices in nine

states.

Broses said company officials

work hard to promote the

ownership mentality among

employees, encouraging them to

do everything they can to help the

firm improve its profits, of which they

will earn a share. See page 8

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Visit rmmsolutions.com/BL for details. September 28, 2015 ♦

from Page 7

Say “Thank You” ➤ Contributed photo
SEH recently constructed a new building in Chippewa Falls at 10 N. Bridge St.
with Custom Wine tailored for
your business or event. “People understand that they are
Your Custom-designed label applied owners,” he said, noting that they are
to Infinity Beverages’ Signature Wine treated accordingly by being granted
selection. ($1799/bottle + setup fee full access to regular updates on the
$40). 1 Case MINIMUM. company’s financial operations.
Infinity Beverages
Winery & Distillery Those hundreds of owners exercise their
www.infinitybeverages.com authority through the ballot box, electing
930 Galloway Street representatives to a board of directors,
Eau Claire, WI 54703 including a CEO, that runs the company.
They also vote for ESOP trustees. Broses
8 | ♦ September 28, 2015 has served terms on both those panels
over the years.

“It’s a heck of a responsibility,” he said,
“but it makes you feel good in the sense
that people trust you to make the right
decisions.”

Contact: 715-833-9209, eric.lindquist@ecpc.
com, @ealscoop on Twitter

For more information
about ESOPs, go to
the National Center for
Employee Ownership
website at nceo.org.

Oabdsvtaeanrdcslietys CEO SPEAK

Jeff West is the owner of
Bear Down (beardowninc.
com), an executive and
executive team coaching

company based in Eau

Controlling emotions, objectivity Claire. He was a founder
and CEO of Silicon Logic
Engineering. He also

critical to decision-making currently chairs the local
chapter of TEC (The
Executive Committee) and

Business Partners, a forum

“Adversity has the effect of drawing out strengths and qualities for small-business leaders.
of a man that would have lain dormant in its absence.” West can be reached
at 715-559-2195 or

Herodotus, [email protected].

WBy Jeff West Greek philosopher

ith the recent gyrations in the stock them. One person’s crisis is another person’s
market, it seemed like the opportune opportunity.
time to discuss how we handle
adversity and the obstacles that pop If you read up on the prevailing wisdom of how to
handle obstacles and adversity you’ll see things like:
➤ Imagine the worst it can be then take the first step
up in life.

The Chinese proverb, “May you live in interesting in making it better.
times,” certainly fits the world we find ourselves in
➤ Remind yourself that adversity is part of life.
➤ Build your internal and external resources.
today. In the past 15 years we’ve lived through two ➤ Learn from others who have dealt with obstacles.

economic bubbles and their meltdowns, have had

multibillion-dollar businesses pop up that didn’t even While all of these are fine ideas, I believe the best thing

exist 10 years ago while older longtime industries you can do is to study your own perceptions. In other

disappear, world strife, civil unrest, etc. etc. words, we can choose to lose our heads during difficult

As the leader of your business you have every times or choose not to.

right for all of these factors to cause uneasiness, fear, The people I’ve known who handle obstacles best are

discouragement and anger, right? Not necessarily. We those who have taught themselves they have a choice

can choose to react emotionally, get down in the dumps about how they respond to any situation. Creating

and lose our perspective or we can learn to see that discipline in our perceptions allows us to clearly see

outward appearances can be deceiving. the opportunity in an obstacle and leads us toward the

John D. Rockefeller started his career as a bookkeeper. correct course of action without the typical panic and

What helped propel him to the heights of the industrial fear.

world was his ability to remain calm and objective Like sharpening a knife, we can sharpen our ability

during even the most chaotic times. It was once said to control and channel our emotional reaction to any

of him, “He was inclined to see the opportunity in situation. Like any other learned behavior, though, it

every disaster.” Rudyard Kipling wrote in his famous takes practice. Many people either can’t or won’t work

poem: “If you can keep your head when all about you on this, condemning themselves to being slaves to

are losing theirs ... you’ll be a man, my son.” All of this impulses and instincts they’ve never questioned.

points to the idea that there is opportunity within every Even if it leads us in a direction we never anticipated,

obstacle if we choose to see it that way. every obstacle has an opportunity within it and the

Throughout our lives we will come across obstacles opportunity for us to learn and grow. Seen this way, we

both fair and unfair. If you really learn to pay attention can turn adversity into a new opportunity.

you’ll notice what matters most is not the obstacle So what should we focus on in order to learn how to

itself but how we see and react to it. Our reactions will tackle even the biggest obstacles?

determine how successful we will be in overcoming See page 10

September 28, 2015 ♦ |9

from Page 9

First, work hard to be as objective about a situation as crowd and immediately be consumed by all the negative

you can. It’s amazing how fast our minds can paint our perceptions we can have about an adverse situation. Teach

biases all over a situation that we then take as “the real yourself to take a cool and unflappable look at things

world.” If you have trouble finding the objectivity you’d before jumping to conclusions.

like, involve Fourth, focus

others. The on what you

more opinions can control and

and points of don’t worry

view you can "No one opinion will be 100 percent right, about the things
get the better. No but looking at an obstacle from many you have no control
one opinion will be over. By taking the

100 percent right, but different viewpoints is a great steps necessary to scale
looking at an obstacle from an obstacle, you begin to
way to find the common
many different viewpoints is feel in control of the situation

a great way to find the common denominator." again. By leaving alone the things
denominator. you have no control over, you save

Second, learn to control your your energy for what you can do.

thoughts. Every emotion we have is And finally, always strive to keep

based on a thought we had first. When things in perspective. When we learn to

we learn to control our thoughts, we control perceive things differently we teach ourselves

our emotions. When we control our emotions, to stop seeing the obstacle in front of us as a

we begin to calm down and look at things more problem.

objectively. Find the opportunity within the obstacle and see

Third, look for the positives. It’s easy to follow the how things begin to change in your life and your business.

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785766 9-28-15

10 | ♦ September 28, 2015

Guest Column

Investing Bill Hilgedick, CFP, is a
financial adviser with
nota sprint Edward Jones in Eau Claire.
He can be reached at 715-
834-5052 or bill.hilgedick@
edwardjones.com.

Long-term strategies more akin to a marathon

By Bill Hilgedick going, they do so. As an investor, you too will face obstacles,
such as market downturns. But as long as you continue
Edward Jones investing and don’t head to the “sidelines,” you have a good
chance of making progress toward your goals.
Investors sometimes may get frustrated with their
investments because those investments don’t seem to Vision. Marathoners study the course they’re on, so they
produce quick results. know what’s ahead — and where they’re going. As an
Perhaps that’s understandable in our fast-paced society, investor, you also need a vision of what lies in front of you
in which we’ve grown accustomed to instant gratification. — the number of years until your retirement, the type of
But investing is, by nature, a long-term activity. If you look retirement lifestyle you anticipate, what sort of legacy you
at it in terms of an athletic event, it’s not a sprint, in which plan to leave, and so on. Your vision will help drive your
you must pull out all the stops to quickly get where you’re investment decisions.
going. Instead, it’s more like the 26.2-mile race known as a
marathon. Proper coaching. Not all marathoners have individual
coaches, but many have at least gone to clinics or joined
And as an investor, you can learn a few things from running clubs so they could learn more about the various
marathoners, such as: aspects of this grueling event. As an investor, you can
certainly benefit from guidance or “coaching” in the form
Preparation. No one gets up one day and is ready to run of a financial professional — someone who knows your
a marathon. Marathon runners train for months, and even individual needs, goals and risk tolerance, and who has the
years. As an investor, you, too, need to prepare yourself for experience to make recommendations that are appropriate for
the “long run.” How? By learning as much as you can about your situation.
different asset classes, types of risk and all the other factors
associated with investing. Every marathoner is familiar with the difficulties of the
challenge and the satisfaction of finishing the race. As an
Patience. Marathoners know they have a long haul in front investor, you also will be tested many times. Furthermore,
of them, so they typically create a “game plan” — one that you’ll never really cross the “finish line” because you’ll
takes into account such factors as their physical condition, always have goals toward which you’ll be working. Yet,
the weather on race day and the characteristics of the course, by emulating the traits of successful marathoners, you can
such as whether it’s hilly or flat. Investors should also create continue working toward your objectives — and perhaps
a strategy — one that encompasses their goals and ways of you’ll avoid the blisters too.
working toward them — and stick to this strategy.

Perseverance. Marathoners may deal with injuries,
dehydration and other setbacks, either while training or
during the actual race. But as long as they’re able to keep

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September 28, 2015 ♦ | 11

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Tim Auth, owner of Auth Consulting & Associates, started the business 20 years ago. He previously worked at
Cedar Corp. in Menomonie.

From farm to drafting table

Auth Consulting & Associates marks 20 years in business

By Pamela Powers, Menomonie News Bureau

GMENOMONIE
rowing up on an Eau Galle dairy farm taught Tim Auth the value of working hard.
“I bring a good work effort to the business and put in the hours and do what is
required to get the work done,” said Auth, owner of Auth Consulting & Associates in
Menomonie.
Auth, 55, of Durand, started the business in May 1995. He always had the goal of
starting his own business to be in charge of his own destiny.
“The reward is seeing what you’ve done and your clients are satisfied and appreciate
your services,” said Auth. He and his wife, Becky, have four grown children and five grandchildren.
“We want to make our clients successful in the businesses they do.

“They like to be involved with the process to make that successful. We are very responsive to clients’
needs.”

Auth Consulting & Associates provides planning, design, engineering and surveying for all types
of projects. Auth has two surveying divisions – S&N Land Surveying in Hudson and Nelsen Land
Surveying out of the Menomonie office.

After graduating from Durand High School in 1978, Auth went to UW-Madison and earned a
bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He worked for Wisconsin Power and Light and then for
Goodrich Lumber Co. in Durand.

From 1987 to 1995, he was an electrical engineer and “If you have the drive and want to learn other facets of
project manager for Cedar Corp. in Menomonie. He tended the business, he is very supportive,” Adams said.
to focus on industrial design and decided to branch off and Over the years, technology has continuously changed,
start his own company. with advancements such as computer-aided design, Auth
“We do quite a bit of electrical engineering for dairy said. A challenge facing companies will be finding quality
farms,” Auth said. “That is kind of back to my roots. We people who understand how to use the technologies
are into the nuts and bolts of effectively.
America. The purchases you use, To celebrate its 20th anniversary,
food you eat and products that are Auth rolled out a new website and
manufactured. quarterly newsletter to provide
“We work in engineering that Out of the Office ____ clients with current information on
affects all facets of life.” the company.
The company also has worked Tim Auth enjoys traveling. He has In his free time, Auth enjoys
been to Belize and went dove hunting in

with schools, nursing homes Argentina. He also has traveled to all 48 hunting deer and turkey as well as
and industrial clients. It has seen lower states. “I want to go to Iceland," he fishing – at times flying to remote
healthy growth over the past 20 said. "It has always interested me. I like areas of Canada.
years, starting with two employees going where it is cooler.”
Dale and Cindy Quilling of
Auth also enjoys horseback riding, a

and expanding to a staff of 25. pursuit he's practiced for about a decade. Menomonie have known Auth and
Dale Adams, a designer and “It's peaceful," he said. "You get to see his wife for more than 20 years
and said they were not surprised
project manager at Auth, has been the world in a different way."

with the company 15 years. by Auth’s success.
“What I like about Tim is he is “He is focused, articulate and
an old-fashioned business man,” goal-driven,” Cindy Quilling said.
Adams said. “He understands family. He grew up on a “Combine that with hard-working and passionate about his
dairy farm. I grew up the same way working in a field.” work, and you get success.”
Auth is very fair too, Adams said. Adams started in Contact: 715-556-9018, [email protected],
heating and air conditioning design, but Auth doesn’t limit @MenomonieBureau on Twitter
his employees.

786247 9-28-15

September 28, 2015 ♦ | 13

Book Review

Try, try
again

Choppy memoir worth a Title: “Gold Standard:
read despite drawbacks How to Rock the
World and Run an
IBy Terri Schlichenmeyer Empire.”
Author: Kym Gold.
The Bookworm Pages: 208.
f at first you don’t succeed ... Publisher: Skyhorse
Was there ever a more irritating thing to Publishing (c.2015).
say to a kid who cried, “I can’t”? Try, try
again. Give it another whirl. Quitters never certain clothing designers near her Malibu, Calif.,
win and anything worth doing is worth home would sell to her their damaged-and-
doing well – all advice you hated hearing defective T-shirts for a pittance. Gold mended and
as a child but that you took with you to personalized the shirts, then sold them for a tidy
adulthood. And, as you’ll see in the new profit at a small booth on the beach. She named her
book “Gold Standard,” so did Kym Gold. new business and set about learning how to run it,
As the third in a set of triplets born to parents then entered design school and tasted other careers.
who were expecting just one baby, Gold fought for
everything she got from the moment she entered During this time, Gold also got married, but
the world. When her parents split, moved on and she’d lost sight of a rule she’d learned from male
started new families, family members in her childhood: Never rely
she felt lost. She hated on a man. Gold’s husband cheated on her so she
creating a scene, but she divorced him and she married someone else not
longed to be seen as an long afterward.
individual, rather than
a triplet or one of what From there, Gold’s road to fame and True
seemed like too many Religion jeans was a rocky one – she started and
kids. lost several clothing labels over the years, but
Though she was close she learned from each experience. She raised a
to her sisters as teenagers, family, and capital, for more endeavors. And in the
Gold said the girls were aftermath of losing her second husband and her
often at odds as they business on the same day, Gold found her resolve ...
tried to find their own
niches. Each of them So what?
The Bookworm is Terri had strengths that the Those were two words that came to my mind
Schlichenmeyer. Terri has over and over. So the author started a series of
been reading since she others didn’t have. Gold, businesses. So she flitted from idea to idea. So she
was 3 years old and never the organizer of the trio, made and lost scads of money. Stand in line. So
goes anywhere without a realized she had a flair for what?
book. She lives on a hill in design and fashion, and And then it hit me: try, try again. “Gold
Wisconsin with two dogs Standard” is the epitomical story of that old saying,
and 12,000 books. she hated hearing “no.” and Gold has the tenacity of a terrier. Her life, as
depicted in this book, is like one of those bop bags
Those personality from childhood: She just kept bouncing back up.
assets served her So what? So motivational.
well when, as a teen, Keep in mind that this book is rough. It’s choppy,
she discovered that rambling, filled with childhood pity-partying and
name-dropping, and it begs for a bit more formality
– but overlook that, and you’ll find inspiration. For
that alone, “Gold Standard” is worth a try.

14 | ♦ September 28, 2015

Effort targets startups LET SPARKLE WASH
SOLVE YOUR BUSINESS
Ignite Wisconsin launched to boost entrepreneurs CHALLENGES TO ACHIEVE

Leader-Telegram staff YOUR POTENTIAL

The nonprofit based OEM Fabricators; executive director for Dumpster Areas Before
Innovation Foundation and Shannon Zimmerman, about 2½ years. He said
of Western Wisconsin for CEO of River Falls-based Ignite Wisconsin’s hands- Shop Interiors After
several years has been Sajan. on efforts will concentrate & Exteriors
working to help early- on western Wisconsin, but
stage companies grow. A kickoff ceremony for its message will have a Garage Floors
the effort was slated for statewide audience.
A challenge, according Wednesday, Oct. 7. Jack Fleet • Signs
to Mike Finger, Kaiser of Cigan Properties “Simply stated:
executive director of the was scheduled to talk Wisconsin needs more Awnings
organization, has been a about Banbury Place, a entrepreneurs,” he said.
lack of new businesses. multiuse development “So we designed our Grafitti Removal Before
measuring nearly 2 new effort to focus on
“There simply encouraging prospective Protect your
entrepreneurs in business
“ Simply stated: Wisconsin move from a
Wisconsin needs place where they dream investment! After
more entrepreneurs. about owning a business 787108 9-28-15
to a place where they take 715.832.4270
active steps to make it
happen.” sparklewash.com/eauclaire

Mike Finger, executive director of the Innovation FREE ESTIMATES
Foundation of Western Wisconsin FULLY INSURED

weren’t enough active “million square feet for commercial plumbing,
startups and prospective heating & cooling
entrepreneurs for which he is owner and
the services we were president. «HEATING & AIR-CONDITIONING
providing,” Finger
said, “and discussion “It will be a great fit for INSTALLATION, INSPECTION & REPAIR
with other prospective entrepreneurs
who are worried about «PLUMBING INSTALLATION & SERVICE
taking on the challenge of
economic starting a new business,“
development Finger said. “Think about
organizations the challenge of taking on
in the region Banbury Place.”
showed us Heat and cool your
many were Finger has started institution affordably
wrestling five businesses during
with the same Finger his career. The primary
ventures were two
problem.” management and
In response to that consulting companies
issue, Ignite Wisconsin, an based out of the Twin
IFWW program, recently Cities. After 15 years of
was launched. Its website growing the ventures to 50
— ignitewisconsin.org — employees, he successfully 786118 9-28-15
features video testimonials sold the businesses.
from entrepreneurs. ask us for a quote
Subjects on the site Finger, a longtime
include Mark Tyler, Woodville resident and 1710 TRUAX BLVD | EAU CLAIRE | 715-839-0707
president of Woodville- volunteer firefighter,
has been the IFWW’s

September 28, 2015 ♦ | 15

COMMUNITY PROFILE Local attorney
specializes in
representing
professional

baseball players

By Courtney Kueppers,

ALeader-Telegram staff
s a kid
grow-
ing up
in River
Falls,
Bryan Symes loved
volunteering at the
Kansas City Chiefs’
training camp.

Being in the locker
room with the play-
ers ultimately in-
spired Symes’ current career endeavor as a certified sports agent.

Symes, 37, received his law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law and now
works at the Ruder Ware law firm in Eau Claire, where his duties include repre-
senting 13 minor league baseball players, five of whom signed Major League Base-
ball contracts this summer.

Although the players are the ones on the field, Symes said he shares their dreams
of making it big and hopes to provide necessary guidance for his clients.

“Honestly it’s a dream come true for me too,” he just a phone call away” anytime he needs him.

said. “It’s really gratifying and incredibly exciting to Symes said it’s those Midwest “sensibilities and

be in the room and on the phone with the player and values“ his clients often compliment.

their family when they find out that they are going to Since representing his clients demands a great deal

become a professional athlete.” of time, Symes said he is thankful to have the support

As an agent Symes helps players understand the of the firm, his family and his faith.

draft process, negotiate contracts, know realistic fig- “I wouldn’t be in baseball if it weren’t for wanting to

ures to sign for and get in gear for the season. bring a Christian presence to the industry,” he said.

However, Symes hopes he provides more than just Like the players he represents, Symes is hoping to

that for his players and their families. make the major leagues. He recently passed the now-

“I’m a Christian and I wanted to bring some integ- mandatory Major League Baseball Players Associa-

rity and an alternative to players looking for that kind tion agent certification exam and is actively seeking a

of an agent,” he said. major leaguer to represent.

Symes first broke into the baseball world a few years He also noted he is confident one or more of his cur-

back and spent a couple of years “pounding the pave- rent clients will be on a Major League Baseball roster

ment” and growing his network of scouts, personnel in a year or two. If that’s the case, Symes said they are

at clubs, trainers and coaches, he said. in good hands.

Now he’s optimistic that his work will snowball and “(Ruder Ware) is really in a good position to take

continue to grow. on a major league player,” he said, noting the firm

Symes said while this kind of

work is not commonplace in Bryan Symes, an attorney for Ruder Ware in Eau Claire, is pictured at Carson Park's

baseball field. Symes "divides his practice between private-sector management-side
human resources law, labor relations law, health care law, and litigation," according
to the firm's website. He also represents professional baseball players.

communities of Eau Claire’s size, has more than 40 lawyers who specialize in an array
being in the center of the North- of areas and could help a professional athlete in areas
woods League gives him a leg up. such as realty, taxes and establishing charitable foun-
dations.
It’s there that he met one of his current clients, Travis
Neubeck, when he played for the Eau Claire Express Despite being a self-proclaimed “big fan” of Ameri-
last summer. Neubeck, 20, who is origi- ca’s pastime, Symes himself never played baseball at a
nally from Hugo, Minn., was drafted in level higher than Little League. It’s in part why he has
the seventh round by the Miami Marlins so much respect for the people he represents and their
last spring and he’s happy to have Symes tenacity, he said.
along for the ride.
“I’m dedicated to helping these guys achieve their
“He definitely cares a lot about me as a dreams that they’ve had since they were little,” Symes
person; it’s not all about him,” Neubeck said. “That’s more important to me that the dollars
said of his agent. “He cares for his players Neubeck and cents side of things.”
and watches out for their best interest, not
his. Bryan is my agent, but when I am done playing Contact: [email protected], 715-833-9203
baseball, he will still be a friend of mine.”

Neubeck said he finds comfort in knowing “Bryan is

786745 9-28-15

WWW.SFBANK.COM • 4217 SOUTHTOWNE DRIVE • EAU CLAIRE • 715-833-7685

September 28, 2015 ♦ | 17

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Staff photo by Chris Vetter

Tim Runge owns Film Tech, which was founded in 1980.

Stanley company finds niche in high-tech sector

By Chris Vetter, Chippewa Falls News Bureau

TSTANLEY
im Runge says his business can’t compete with larger firms when it comes
to technological advances or mass production.
His company, Film Tech, is growing because it is a boutique business
satisfying the needs of his smaller clients.
“I win on service – I listen to our customers,” Runge said. “Customers
come to us for unique solutions.
“It really depends on what the customer is trying to achieve.”
Film Tech, located at 799 N. Broadway St. in Stanley, was founded in 1980. The
company makes film for medical product designers, packaging, bag makers and
component manufacturers. Film can be clear or colored, and comes in flat or folded
sheets. His business produces high-performance tape for 3M.

“We’re making film for low-tech medical devices and medical packaging,” he said.
“Some of it is being used in operating rooms; some are non-critical packaging.”

18 | ♦ September 28, 2015

Runge purchased the business work into it. The (CCEDC) Background
in 2006 and in the past decade committee liked his dedication
watched it grow from 12 to his employees and that
employees to 20 today. He he put money back into the
describes himself as the general business, and it’s
manager. grown.”
“Our sales have tripled since I The four
purchased the business,” Runge production lines
said, although he declined to at Film Tech are
divulge sales details. operating 24 hours
The company’s headquarters a day, Monday
is 22,600 square feet in size, but Walker through Friday.

a major expansion began in Runge’s goal is to have his five
mid-September, as Runge has lines – including the new one –
purchased a fifth production running nonstop, seven days a Tim Runge, 54,
machine. week, in another year or two. who owns Film Tech
“The new equipment is taller, “It’s expensive to shut down in Stanley, grew up in
so we’re pushing the roof up for the weekend,” he said. Green Bay.
higher – our roof height is “We’re leaving a lot of money
60 feet on the table Runge attended
in that by shutting Cornell College in Iowa,
corner,” down.” then went to graduate
he said, “ I focus on growing However, school at Michigan
pointing my business. The limits Tech, earning a degree
to a are the limit of my his biggest ingeochemistry. He
section challenge moved to the Chippewa
of the is finding Valley in 2006 when he
facility. imagination. quality purchased Film Tech.
employees.
The Tim Runge, “It’s very “I was familiar with
the blown film industry,
expansion owner of Stanley-based Film Tech difficult to andtheyhad a decent
“added. client list,” said Runge,
should be find people who added that he was
finished who want to confident the business
by the end of the year, he work,” he said. would have a positive
Runge said the best part of his cash flow.
The four existing production job is that he’s the boss, and he
lines all print “monolayer doesn’t have to worry if he has Visit filmtechllc.com
blown film,” meaning it has the one really good or bad month. for more information
same thickness throughout. The “I don’t focus on foolish B.S. about the company.
new equipment can make three politics – I focus on growing
different levels of thickness in my business,” he said. “The
one sheet. limits are the limit of my
FilmTech was named one imagination.”
of the four businesses of the Runge lives in rural
year for 2015 by the Chippewa Chippewa Falls with his
County Economic Development wife, Sheri. Their oldest son,
Corp., and Runge’s firm was Jacob, attends University of
honored at a banquet in May. Minnesota-Duluth, while
“We looked at their their daughters, Abigayle and
entrepreneurial spirit,” said Mikayla, attend Chippewa Falls
CCEDC executive director High School.
Charlie Walker. “He rolled up Contact: 715-723-0303, chris.
his sleeves and put some hard [email protected]

September 28, 2015 ♦ | 19

FEATURE STORY Program having local effect

Focus on Energy provides boost for school, agri-business

ABy Leader-Telegram staff recently for a new Hampton Inn & Suites in the
rnie Prokott, school manager of village of Lake Hallie. A program adviser met with
Crestview Academy in Eau Claire, the customer and general contactor during the
contacted Focus on Energy when he planning stages. Focus on Energy was able to help
began researching ways to improve the the owner earn incentives for lighting, heating,
private institution’s lighting. cooling, room energy management controls,
Focus on Energy is an energy efficiency and commercial refrigerator/freezers, and water
renewable resource program funded through heating.
state utilities. It’s been assisting residents and
businesses since 2001. “We can look at a customer’s
processes and help change how they
Focus on Energy teamed with a trade ally, Next think about energy,” said Tamara
Step Energy, to help on the Crestview Academy Sondgeroth, director of operations for
project. Focus on Energy connects clients with Focus on Energy.
trade allies, who are local professionals that can
help customers select energy-efficient products In the agricultural arena, Focus on
and equipment and make energy-efficiency Energy currently is helping Norm-E-
improvements. Sondgeroth Lane Farm in Chili obtain a $500,000
incentive for expanding its anaerobic
“I had an excellent experience with both these digester and gen-set system. Triple T Farms of
groups,” Prokott said. “Things went pretty Chippewa Falls recently earned incentives for LED
smoothly and they were easy to work with.” lights in a newly constructed barn.
From 2011 to 2014, nearly 300,000 Wisconsin
Crestview earned thousands of dollars in residents and businesses chose to complete
incentives for a lighting project that began in projects with the Focus on Energy program. The
2014 and ran into this year. LED lighting replaced projects and purchases during this time period
incandescent lights and an exit sign. Other cost- resulted in energy savings of more than 28 billion
saving improvements were made as well. kilowatt hours, 403,000 kilowatts and 1.2 billion
therms. That’s the equivalent of powering more
“I did notice some drop off in energy usage – not than 1.8 million Wisconsin homes in one year,
as much as I anticipated but heading in the right according to a news release.
direction,” Prokott said. “The overall lighting Visit focusonenergy.com/about/evaluation-
experience in our classrooms has been very well reports for a program evaulation report that
received. assessed Focus on Energy’s performance from 2011
to 2014.
“Moving to LED lighting has decreased eye
fatigue and, in some cases, headaches and For more information about Focus on Energy, call
migraines. The light is more natural, and students
and staff have had a good transition to the new 800-762-7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.
lighting.”

Focus on Energy’s expertise also was tapped

20 | ♦ September 28, 2015

Honoring Businesses in the Chippewa Valley for over 130 years.

Welcome

H to the
on20o1r5 Roll of Business
The businesses listed on the following pages are proud of the history they’ve formed
with the Chippewa Valley and they want to share it with you. They know first hand
how difficult it is to open and operate a successful business year after year. We
salute these businesses for their years of service to the Chippewa Valley. Some have
been here a very long time and others are just beginning.
Congratulations to them all!
Years in business are provided by the businesses represented.

786904

Honor Roll of Business 136 YEARS
157 YEARS 114431YYEEAARRSS 134 YEARS
786471 • 9-28-15
Connell’s Family (1(188772-2001153)) Providing information and
Orchard Est. 1858 127 YEARS marketing services to
U.S. Bank
Apples, Pumpkins 65 area locations Eau Claire has been the home of Chippewa Valley readers
& Squash, Apple Donuts 715.839.6318 McDonough Manufacturing Co. since 1888, and businesses.
& Bakery, Jams, Jellies and
Pure Local Honey. Live, usbank.com producing quality sawmill machinery for Leader-Telegram • Leader Printing
working observation bee sawmills in Eau Claire and the world over. The Country Today
hive. Raspberries, pick your Member FDIC 715-833-9200
2320 Melby St. • Eau Claire, WI 54703 800-236-8808
own and picked. * American Workers * leadertelegram.com
* American Materials *
715-723-5889 786789 9-28-15 * American Ownership * 785943 9-28-15
Open Daily 9-6
WWREAEIDGKEEONSND 19372 Cty Hwy OO, 787239 9-28-15 127 YEARS
Chippewa Falls
117 YEARS 15 yrs. under Bill Sherman
787063 9-28-15
785992 9-28-15 My Place Bar
130 YEARS 128 YEARS
100 YEARS 406-408 Galloway Street
of caring Lamperts Downtown Eau Claire
for our community. LampertsLumber • Building Materials A Family Tradition 715-835-LIVE (5483)
LampertsLumber • Building Materials in fine diamonds since
Specializing in Open at 6 am every day!
what matters most. 112 RailwaLyum• bAeru•gBusutilad,inWg IM5at4e7ri2a2ls 1915
Best Drink Prices in Town!
stjoeschipfalls.com 11B1122uRRsaa:iillww7aayy1••5AA-uugg2uu8ssttaa6,, -WW2II 2554477722122 3rd Generation Live Music No Cover Charge!
FFFBBwaaauuwxxxssw:::::.la77777m11111p55555e-----r22222ty88888a66666rd-----s22222.c22222o77777m33311 Downtown Menomonie
Free Pool Everyday
www.lampertyards.com 715-235-2220 10am - 2pm
www.lampertyards.com
787059 9-28-15 Sat. 6am - 2pm
786808_9-28-15 785940 9-28-15
787237 9-28-15
126 YEARS 124 YEARS
114 YEARS
It all began on Keeping Your Image
October 7, 1889 Neat and Clean Premier Private Country Club
when the first two Since 1891 www.ecgcc.com
HOSPITAL SISTERS 715-836-8420
came to Eau Claire. 3605 White Ave
(715) 835-3101 1-800-666-3101 828 Clubview Lane, Altoona
786812_9-28-15
www.huebsch-services.com 787322 9-28-15
113 YEARS
786814 9-28-15 98 YEARS

111 YEARS “Turn Your Memories Into
A Lasting Memorial”
Your Locally Owned
Community Bank Serving Families Since 1917

Bill Volker and Stacy Pickerign 787190 9-28-15 Chippewa Falls 715-723-4461 715-723-5576
Eau Claire 715-839-8642 1-800-236-5576
715-723-4649 northwesternbank.com
3563 N. Prairie View Rd.
Member FDIC 785974 9-28-15 Chippewa Falls

www.johnsonmonument.com

786827 9-28-15

786906

Honor Roll of Business
95 YEARS 93 YEARS 93 YEARS 81 YEARS

CLIFF “Serving the Serving Eau Claire
INDUSTRIAL Eau Claire area Since 1934
AUTO TOP SHOP LLC since 1922”
CORP. Conveniently located
Automobile Upholstery, Automobile in Putnam Heights.
Serving Northwestern Wisconsin Since 1920 Carpeting, Truck Cushions Rebuilt, Truck 10954 E. Melby St
Chippewa Falls LIQUOR MART
GENERAL MACHINISTS Accessories, Zippers-Sales, Repairs, 301 E. Clairemont
Burn Damage Repairs, Convertible Tops, 715.832.1691
Repair Specialists Mill & Lathe Work 715.723.7592 715-835-8737
Production Manufacturing- Builders of Special Machinery Boat Covers, Canvas Repairs
www.hovlands-inc.com 786796 9-28-15
Grinding Gears-Belts-Pulleys-Chain Leather Interiors 785996 9-28-15
Large CNC Bearings-Sprockets-Couplings Seat Heaters 71 YEARS
76 YEARS
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES & CASTERS 715-E8au3C5la-i3re388
613 Wisconsin St., Eau Claire
786816 9-28-15
715-835-8314
77 YEARS
785846 9-28-15

80 YEARS

785422 9-28-15
785707 9-28-15
24-HOUR SERVICE Family owned & operated STUDENT TRANSIT ● EAU CLAIRE, INC. 71 YEARS
www.kurthheatingandcooling.com “We are your one-stop shop for 787070 9-28-15
all of your refrigeration, heating/ Proudly Serving the 65 YEARS
715-723-2211 cooling or foodservice equipment Eau Claire Area
Since 1939 Big, Tall, Short or Small...
787049 9-28-15 sales and service needs!” WE FIT THEM ALL
1003 Harlem St, Altoona 3339 Fehr Road
69 YEARS 715-834-3191 • 1-800-944-3604 Thank you Western Wisconsin for
www.benedictrefrigeration.com Eau Claire, WI 54701 making our 65 years so successful.
Leader in the Transportation
Industry providing service to all 67 YEARS (715) 839-5116 www.muldoons.com
48 states, Canada and Mexico
Serving the Chippewa Valley 786971 9-28-15 1506 S. Hastings Way, Eau Claire
www.marten.com 785999 for over 67 years.
9-28-15 66 YEARS 715-832-3502
“Innovative Construction 1-800-942-0783
64 YEARS Solutions, Since 1948” better water.
pure & simple. Quality Clothing Since 1950
Plumbing - Water Offices in Eau Claire & La Crosse
Systems Sterling Water, Inc. 786004 9-28-15
715-834-1213 715-834-9431
Thank you to the (800) 444-9431 60 YEARS
Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls www.market-johnson.com
www.culliganh2o.com LOCALLY OWNED &
areas for your patronage 786002 9-28-15 OPERATED SINCE 1955
786966 9-28-15 John & Steve Thaler
BOHL & PROULX 64 YEARS LP Gas • Tanks • Gasoline
PLUMBING INC. 63 YEARS Fuel Oil • Bulk Lubricants
785871 9-28-15
715-832-4795 If you want to see her smile, Office: 715-723-2822
715-723-9655 take her to Baker! Or 1-800-472-0019
Cell: 715-829-5510
786924 9-28-15 1504 S. Hastings Way
Eau Claire, WI 54701 310 Main St
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
715-832-8249
785875 9-28-15 786907

Honor Roll of Business 57 YEARS
59 YEARS 59 YEARS 58 YEARS
We have been doing commercial
Celebrating 59 Years! THREE GENERATIONS PUB painting and wall covering
OF CONTINUOUS for the past 57 years.
CARING SERVICES 2812 London Road
We appreciate your continued support.
We’re honored to have FUNERAL CHAPEL 715.831.1300
served communities in AND CREMATORY HAGEN
the Chippewa Valley More than pizza.
Est. 1956 • Funeral Director Erin Smith We serve traditions. DECORATORS, INC.
for over 50 years! Pleasant St. 715-835-4321
Offering Onsite Cremation & 787444
We look forward to the next 50 Pre-Planning Services 9-28-15 www.hagendecorators.com
in our new Altoona location! 785718 9-28-15
715-832-1141 • SMITHFUNERALEC.com 55 YEARS 55 YEARS
ALTOONA 715.832.1400 • Stone-Coated
787232 9-28-15 Adult Day Services Steel Roofing
CHIPPEWA FALLS 715.723.8514 Grace Apartments • All Types Siding
57 YEARS Edgewood Assisted Living & Windows
CVOSM.COM 787054 9-28-15 Willowbrook Assisted Living • Clog-Free Gutter
There’s no home like Woodlands Memory Care System
57 YEARS the one you own School-Age Childcare
Syverson Rehab and Health 715-832-2246
BUILD WITH CONFIDENCE. . . . Wilbert Statz 786920 9-28-15 787300 9-28-15
BUILD WITH WALTERS BUILDINGS Home Builder LLC 3410 Sky Park Blvd., P.O. Box 287 50 YEARS
Eau Claire, WI 54702
Agricultural • Equestrian Custom Builder • Remodeling 715.832.3003
Suburban • Commercial
Since 1958 www.graceluthfound.com
800-225-2591
715-834-3362 51 YEARS
www.waltersbuildings.com
1913 Skeels Avenue
787241 9-28-15 Eau Claire, WI 54701 786798

54 YEARS 9-28-15

51 YEARS

Practice est. 1961 2625 Morningside Drive 1225 Truax Blvd EAU CLAIRE
Second Generation Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI 54703 PROFESSIONAL PRESSURE WASHING
Steven B. Mahler, D.D.S.
605 E. Clairemont Ave. 715.832.5085 www.ervsmith.com Celebrating 50 years from 1965-2015
www.brotoloc.com
Eau Claire • 715.836.8360 Nick Gardow is proud to continue
786006 9-28-15 • 1.800.472.8838 the Sparkle Wash franchise
(715) 834-2174
47 YEARS “Because we care, our customers serving Eau Claire for 37 years.
787288 9-28-15 become our friends”
Julson’s Auto Service Sparkle Wash is your leader in
48 YEARS 785412 9-28-15 asset protection & property appeal
L.L.C.
AUTO/RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL 47 YEARS since 1965
GLASS Jim & Steve Julson 715-832-4270
Your Independent Dealer sparklewash.com/eauclaire
GARAGE DOOR AND OPENERS SINCE 1968 Ray’s Metal Work LLC Free Estimates • Fully Insured
Complete Auto and
4 LOCATIONS: 715-962-3601 787230 9-28-15786010 9-28-15
LT. Truck Service
Eau Claire South • Rice Lake Heating & Air Conditioning 47 YEARS
Chippewa Falls • Menomonie 1505 Western Ave. 24-hr Service & Free Estimates
Eau Claire, WI 54703 Thank you to our clients &
786008 9-28-15 786792 9-28-15 their pets for letting us serve you
(715) 834-5832
for the last 47 years.
786821 9-28-15 2135 N. Clairemont
Eau Claire, WI 54703

715-834-7538
Pam Hansen, DVM
Nate Meyer, DVM
Duane Vollendorf, DVM
Kathleen Nowak, DVM
Karen Trott, DVM

786909

46 YEARS Honor Roll of Business

An Experience That Will 46 YEARS 46 YEARS 44 YEARS
Leave You Smiling
Ruth E. Harris M.S., Director FSAerSvTic&eRaEnLdIASaBleLsE 301 N. Farwell St.
715.834.6603 CHILDREN • ADOLESCENTS • ADULTS Eau Claire
Plumbing - Heating
Hillsidedental.com One-on-One Educational Air Conditioning 715-834-7707
Services for Reading, 1915 Talen St.
William Hutchinson, DDS Learning Disabilities & 715-839-0707 or
Tom Breneman, DDS 1-800-307-9000 Menomonie
Attention Deficit Disorders www.wiersgalla.com 715-235-3468
Lonnette Breneman, DDS www.superiorautobodyinc.com
Christopher Johnson, DDS 715-834-2754 786013 9-28-15
or call 1-800-773-2605 38 YEARS
44 YEARS 2600 Stein Blvd., Eau Claire, WI 39 YEARS
northwestreadingcliniclimited.com
Tilden Auto
& Towing 41 YEARS
787056 9-28-15
Owned & Operated Since 1971 787188 9-28-15
by LaVerne “Bud” Schreiner
11988 County Hwy. B 785861 9-28-15
Chippewa Falls
715-288-6421 THE COUNTRY TODAY

See Me for Your Used Full-Service Repair Facility
Car & Towing Needs!
617 W. Clairemont Ave. 1102 Menomonie Street “The Newspaper That Cares
787493 9-28-15 Eau Claire, WI 54701 Eau Claire, WI 54703 About Rural Life”
715-839-5175
Not affiliated with Tilden Towing uwhealth.org 715-835-7555 1-800-236-4004
or Awesome Towing
785987 9-28-15 786823 9-28-15 www.thecountrytoday.com
38 YEARS
37 YEARS 35 YEARS 785945 9-28-15

34 YEARS

Michael J. Bloss
Owner

St. Joseph’s Hospital 785985 9-28-15 Specializing in 787078 9-28-15 • Mattresses • Bedroom Furniture • Futons •
Chippewa Falls, WI Lawn, Landscape, & • Airbeds • Dining/Living Room •
Irrigation Solutions 31 YEARS
786810_9-28-15 901 W. Clairemont Ave
Since 1978 Commercial, Industrial & Residential, Eau Claire, WI 54701
32 YEARS electrical work, and control work.
loveyouroutdoors.com 24 Hour Service Phone: 715.839.0466
BRENIZER, REALTORS®
Thanks to all 787303_9-28-15 www.bandbelectric.com Website: pmsleepcenter.com
1303 Western Avenue
of OUR Customers, 32 YEARS 787725 9-28-15
Clients & Family Eau Claire, WI
for making us West • Siding: Vinyl, Steel, 31 YEARS
Seamless Steel & Cement Board 7158-3823-126-716676
Central Wisconsin’s 786015 9-28-15 • Landscape Management
• Soffit & Fascia • Design & Installation
#1 Homeseller • Seamless Gutters • Irrigation Services
Coldwell Banker • Steel Roofing & Shingles
Brenizer, Realtors • Window Replacement & Trim www.ever-greenservices.com
• Fabric Awnings
715-835-4344 • Decks & Room Additions Locally Owned and
715-723-5521 • 3- or 4-Season Sunrooms Operated Since 1984
715-235-8443 855 Industrial Drive, Mondovi, WI
785424 9-28-15
715.832.6062
786910
www.libertyexteriors.com 785857
9-28-15

Honor Roll of Business 30 YEARS
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Friendly, Dependable Service ECONOLAWN 9-28-15 Serving the Chippewa Valley
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787024 9-28-15

briefcase

DISCOVER OUR BENEFITS Area firms present at business conference
Representatives of three regionally based companies anchored a panel at
HSHS ST. JOSEPH’S OCCUPATIONAL the fifth annual Governor’s Small Business Summit in Eau Claire on Sept. 9
HEALTH AND MEDICINE labeled Homegrown Wisconsin Success.

serves businesses and industries throughout Dick Leinenkugel, the eighth and current president of
western Wisconsin from these convenient Chippewa Falls-based Leinenkugel Brewing Co.; David
locations: Ring, community relations manager for La Crosse-based
Kwik Trip; and John Hermeier, executive vice president
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital - Chippewa Falls for Minong-based Jack Link’s, shared their companies’
HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital - Eau Claire success stories.

We offer complete occupational health and “Each of these family businesses has grown into a
medicine services including: massive enterprise,” said Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, Leinenkugel
đƫ .!ġ,( !)!*0ƫ 4 )/ who emceed the summit, which also featured a keynote
đƫ 1* 0%+* (ƫ !/0%*#ƫ address by Gov. Scott Walker, breakout sessions and additional panel
discussions featuring state agency secretaries or their representatives.
(To prevent work-related health & safety issues)
đƫ .1#ĥ ( +$+(ƫ !/0%*# Leinenkugel highlighted three keys to the business climate in Wisconsin:
đƫ ƫ 4 )/ education, entrepreneurship and natural resources.
đƫ ƫ 1.2!%(( * !ƫ !.2% !/
đƫ ,! % (%6! ƫ.!$ %(%0 0%+*ƫ"+.ƫ.!01.*%*# EC center receives upgrades to facility
The revamped Chippewa Valley Innovation Center, 3132 Louis Ave.,
employees recently held an open house.

+.ƫ)+.!ƫ%*"+.) 0%+*ƫ +10ƫ0$!ƫ !*!ü0/ƫ3!ƫ Hoeft Builders is overseeing renovations at the facility. Major projects
can offer your business and workers from include a retooling of its loading dock so tenants can receive larger
either location, call 715.717.4944. shipments and the construction of four new offices to meet increased
demand. Bathrooms, the break room and other offices also have been
® renovated. Security has been increased and updates have been made to
comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. An $80,000 grant from
[email protected] the Otto Bremer Foundation helped fund the improvements.

787498_9-28-15 The CVIC opened in 1988 and serves as an incubator for manufacturing
and service-related businesses. Visit chippewavalleyinnovationcenter.org
for more information.

Film crew pays visit to Eau Claire companies
Discover Wisconsin TV recently filmed Eau Claire-based Gordo’s Food
Truck for a spring episode of “Discover Wisconsin.” The episode will
feature eight food trucks in the state and will premiere May 1. Jorge and
Jessica Ortiz own Gordo’s Food Truck.

The crew also was at Suncrest Gardens Farm in Cochrane to film for a
spring episode that premieres April 3. The piece will feature six farm-to-
table destinations in Wisconsin.

“Discover Wisconsin” airs at 5 p.m. Sundays on WQOW (TV-18).

Local company earns state recognition
MILWAUKEE — Ten category winners were culled from 33 finalists
and more than 170 nominees for the 2015 Wisconsin Innovation Awards.
Winners in 10 categories were determined by a panel of 18 industry experts
from around the state.

Applied Data Consultants of Eau Claire earned the recognition in
the software service category. ADC’s EXTRA, a subsidiary, is a dispatch
management tool that allows for one-click orders to generate manifests,
routes and delivery data to be supplied directly to a delivery driver’s
mobile device. “The real-time data algorithms allow for nimble response
and efficiencies,” according to a news release.

Visit wisconsininnovationawards.com for more information about the
program.

Developer takes on downtown project

Brian Johnson, president of JCAP Real Estate in Eau Claire, purchased
the six-story Wells Fargo building at 204 E. Grand Ave.

Johnson plans to have commercial tenants — a restaurant, shops, offices
or other businesses — in the first couple of floors and extensively renovate
the top four floors’ office space into luxury apartments.

28 | ♦ September 28, 2015

briefcase

Musical festivals lift local economy a certified survey map for the former Kmart site, 103 Oak Ave. N.E.
Visit Eau Claire estimated the total economic impact of the Chippewa The site on the city’s north side is being split into three lots. The former
Valley's five major music festivals this summer at $35.6 million, with all
that spending compressed into four weekends. Kmart building along Oak Avenue would remain. It is on about 5.7 acres
For more than two decades, the Chippewa Valley has been home to and is 248,853 square feet. According to a letter from broker Brian Brisky of
Country Jam USA, Country Fest and Rock Fest, events that have attracted Brisky Commercial, architectural services will be procured to remodel the
hundreds of thousands of music fans to the region. But existing building to accommodate three to six businesses.
this year the Country Jam grounds added two new
events — Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival and Blue Ox Another lot would be about 0.86 acres and would have a 38,331-square-
Music Festival — to the summer lineup. foot building along Oak Avenue at the corner of Highway 25. Another lot
would be 1.27 acres and have a 55,498-square-foot-building along Oak
"I'm not sure there's another city our size in the Avenue, according to information sent to the Plan Commission. They are
country that has that kind of national-level music events being utilized for future retail/commercial development, Brisky noted in
his letter.

representing such diverse genres,” said Linda John, Visit Airport looks to draw more tenants
Eau Claire executive director. “I can't emphasize enough
how fortunate Eau Claire is to have these kinds of events.” John Eau Claire's airport is attempting to attract businesses to about 150 acres
of vacant land it owns.
Woodman’s store opens in Altoona Located outside the airfield fence, the land could be
ALTOONA — Woodman’s Food Market in the River Prairie used by aviation-related businesses and provide new
development opened Aug. 27. rental income to Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, 3800
Starr Ave.
At 240,000 square feet, the new Woodman’s store is 2½ times as large as any "Certainly our overriding goal is to generate additional
other supermarket in the Eau Claire area. The grocery store and Woodman’s revenue," said airport manager Charity Speich.
gas station will add an estimated $15 million in tax base to the city. Other regional airports are making similar efforts, she
said, which led to a committee meeting recently on the Speich
Woodman’s is based in Janesville.

In other grocery news: subject. Formed earlier this year, the Airport Development
Committee will make recommendations to the Airport Commission.
■ Mega Co-op purchased Clipper's Foodliner in Whitehall. The location Eau Claire's comprehensive plan update also proposes changing the
will be Mega's fourth grocery store. It has two locations in Eau Claire and airport's zoning to aid business growth there. Currently the airport carries
one in Barron. Mega operates 19 convenience stores as well. the same public zoning that is also used for government buildings, parks
and schools.
Corporate outing business launched See page 30
Jennifer and Justin Fonfara of Rice Lake in August opened Tactical
Escape 101 in Banbury Place, 800 Wisconsin St. Eau Claire’s Premier and Award-Winning
Business Lunch Destination
The business offers escape rooms, adventure games in which groups
of people are locked in a themed room and must solve riddles or Our features start at less than $10
decipher clues to escape within a set time limit. They're a popular option
for corporate outings and other special events. The Fonfaras also have 787051_9-28-15
locations in Rice Lake and Hayward.

Visit tacticalescapel01.com for details.

Wisconsin universities form network
UW-Eau Claire and UW-Stout are two of six UW System institutions
partnering to help connect industry with materials expertise, technology
and research facilities on their campuses.

The institutions, which also include UW-La Crosse, UW-Madison, UW-
Milwaukee and UW-Platteville, announced the formation of the Regional
Materials and Manufacturing Network, or RM2N.

Visit wiscmat.org for more information.

Yoga studio wins DECI annual award
Latitude 44 Yoga Studio, 313 E. Madison St., won the grand prize
in Downtown Eau Claire Inc.'s Jump-Start Downtown Business Plan
Competition.

The yoga studio won $5,000, a $500 DECI media package, a year of free
website hosting, a $250 credit toward a branding/website project and a
brand development session with JB Systems.

The runner-up prize went to Casual Ore Formal, a custom jewelry
business. That prize package included $500 in startup capital, one year of
Web hosting and a DECI media package. The Innovative Idea Prize with
a $1,000 scholarship to UW-Eau Claire’s Small Business Development
Center went to Ashley Kosharek of AMK Cleaning Services.

Former Kmart plan advances in Menomonie
MENOMONIE — The Menomonie Plan Commission in August approved

September 28, 2015 ♦ | 29

briefcase

From page 29 Presto earns two defense contracts
AMTEC Corp., a subsidiary of Eau Claire-based National Presto
Menomonie organization names leader Industries, was awarded two contracts from the U.S. Army to develop the
MENOMONIE – Darrek Orwig succeeded Brenna Long next generation of 40MM training ammunition.
as executive director of Main Street of Menomonie. Long
announced her resignation in June. The contracts were competitively bid as contractors submitted designs,
Orwig completed his undergraduate degree in history prototypes and production pricing to the Army for a new version in each
at Iowa State University and his master of arts in historic of two categories of training rounds: high velocity and low velocity. The
preservation from the Savannah College of Art and value of the low-velocity engineering development award was $2.99
Design. While in graduate school he focused much of his million, while the high-velocity award was $2.985 million.
coursework on revitalizing and administrating historic
commercial districts. Orwig Merchants Bank tabs new leader
Larry Accola was named president of Merchants
Orwig’s professional experience includes working as a Bank in Eau Claire.
museum director and historic preservation consultant.
Accola has more than 25 years of experience in the
WEDC, Doyenne partner on grant Eau Claire market, including more than 20 at RCU, Accola
MADISON — The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. has where he served as senior vice president of business
awarded a $200,000 grant to Madison-based Doyenne Group to support loans and services.
women-led innovative ventures in Wisconsin.
Visit merchantsbank.com for more information
The Doyenne Evergreen Fund will provide $400,000 in early-stage about Winona, Minn.-based Merchants Bank.
capital sourced from a WEDC Capital Catalyst Program grant and
matching funds raised by Doyenne. The fund creates two types of In other banking news:
financing opportunities with $200,000 earmarked for 40 grants of $5,000
each, and $200,000 designated for growth supporting equity investments ■ Paul Rudersdorf joined Security Financial Bank as chief banking
to select companies depending on the business need. officer. Rudersdorf has 33 years of experience in the financial industry,
with the last 22 years at River Valley Bank in Wausau, where he oversaw
Visit inwisconsin.com or doyennegroup.org for more information. the business banking, retail and marketing functions for its 16 branches.
The bank has offices in Eau Claire, Bloomer, Durand and River Falls. Visit
Hotel construction under way in Altoona sfbank.com for more information.
ALTOONA — Larson Cos. held a groundbreaking gala for a new
135-room Staybridge Suites at 1515 Bluestem Blvd. off U.S. 53 in the River ■ U.S. Bank named Therese Pershall-Birmingham market president in
Prairie Development. Eau Claire. Pershall-Birmingham assumed market leader responsibilities
for Eau Claire and will maintain her role overseeing its private banking
Construction of the 90,000-squarefoot Staybridge Suites is expected to group. She also will represent U.S. Bank in a leadership role within the
be completed late in the spring of 2016. Staybridge Suites is owned by a community. U.S. Bank operates 130 branches and employs more than 5,100
group led by Larson Cos. under a license agreement with Intercontinental people in Wisconsin.
Hotels Group. The project ownership group includes Richard Larson,
Thomas Larson, Tim Pabich, Tim Olson and Tom Toy. Chippewa Falls company marks 20 years
CHIPPEWA FALLS — Chippewa Monument Co., 10485 Highway X, is
In other hotel news: celebrating two decades in business.

■ Haselwander Cos. broke ground on a new 9O-unit Fairfield Inn Owner and operator Jake Hoff has been in the memorial business
& Suites on the northeast side of Eau Claire in the Princeton Crossing for nearly 50 years. He began his career in South Dakota and moved to
development at the intersection of U.S. 53 and the North Crossing. The Chippewa Falls, where he started the business with his wife, Sandi, in
hotel is scheduled to open in April of next year. Hoeft Builders is the 1995. The company “has installed thousands of monuments for local
general contractor for the project. families all over northwestern Wisconsin,” according to a news release.

The site of the new hotel, Princeton Crossing, is a 26-acre commercial Visit chippewamonument.com for more information about the business.
development which also is home to a new Kwik Trip convenience store. ■ MENOMONIE — Vets Plus recently held a 25th anniversary
celebration. Vets Plus was founded by Raj Lall, current president and CEO.
Parade of Homes winners announced The company manufactures health and nutritional supplements for both
The Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association announced the food and companion animals.
People’s Choice award winners for the 2015 Parade of Homes. ■ Valley Feeds,1620 Indianhead Drive, celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Visit tinyurl.com/nhhx7hx for more information.
This year’s parade featured 21 homes and drew more than 5,500
attendees — the most in more than 10 years — who voted for the award Menards planning for expansion at HQ
winners. The homebuilders chosen in each category followed by the Menards is planning a significant expansion at its headquarters just
addresses of the homes were: west of Eau Claire, according to permit filings with the county.

■ Category I (under $250,000): C&M Home Builders & Real Estate, 278 The home-improvement retailer requested a conditional use permit to
Club View Lane, Altoona. locate a temporary ready-mix concrete plant and related equipment on its
land in the town of Union. The plant would supply concrete for a planned
■ Category II ($250,000-$324,999): Wurzer Builders, 814 Sandalwood distribution center expansion north of Menard Drive and south of County
Drive, Altoona. Line Road at a site accessible by Town Hall and Kane roads. It’s expected
to be in operation until at least July 2016.
■ Category III ($325,000-$399,999): C&M Home Builders & Real Estate,
4665 Oakwood Hills Parkway. According to the filing, six employees would work at the plant, which
may be in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The distribution
■ Category IV ($400,000-$799,999): MyNextHome, 815 Sandalwood center would include a shipping building, import warehouse, ponds, and
Drive, Altoona. employee and trailer parking.

■ Category V ($800,00 and above): Peterson Custom Homes, 17038 59th
Ave., Chippewa Falls.

30 | ♦ September 28, 2015

briefcase

In other news ■ NEENAH — Miron Construction Co. announced it would be
opening an office in Eau Claire to better serve the western part of the
■ Brian Cornell, Target chief executive, elevated chief state. The new office, slated to open in November, will be located at 3402
financial officer and Eau Claire Regis graduate John
Mulligan to a new role. Mulligan, a longtime Target Oakwood Mall Drive, Suite 200. Leonard Borgen will manage the branch.
■ WEST ALLIS — Steve Strey of Osseo was selected as the champion
executive who has been CFO since 2012 and was acting in the Wisconsin Champion Auctioneer Contest at the
CEO last year, was promoted to the newly created
position of executive vice president and chief operating Wisconsin State Fair. Strey is a 12-year veteran in the auction
business, working closely with Northern Investment Co. on
officer. He will be in charge of stores, supply chain and selling personal property and real estate.
properties. Mulligan ■ Attorney MaiVue Xiong was named a shareholder

■ Bruce Ommen was named executive vice president for the Eau Claire law firm of Weld, Riley, Prenn and Ricci.
at Eau Claire-based Ayres Associates. Ommen joins company President
Thomas Pulse and Tan Zander and Richard Schoenthaler, executive Xiong, a member of the firm’s business section, joined
Weld, Riley, Prenn and Ricci in 2010. She advises clients
vice presidents, to form the engineering/architectural consulting firm’s in business transactions, including business formations Xiong
executive committee. He will continue to serve as vice president of the
firm’s Wisconsin and Arizona transportation operations. and sales, banking and financing services, real estate,
landlord/tenant and intellectual property law.
■ Food trucks can now operate in three Eau Claire parks, but a proposal ■ MENOMONIE — Lammer’s Food Fest, 1408 Ninth St. E., was sold to
to allow them along streets will wait until winter. The City Council voted
to back a policy allowing food trucks in Owen and Phoenix parks and the Dick’s Fresh Markets, which has grocery stores in River Falls, Amery and
Osceola. Siblings Lucy and Pat Lammer owned the business, which had
city’s Soccer Park but pledged that a more expanded version would be been in their family for four generations and 155 years.
drafted in coming months. Previously, food trucks were only allowed to
operate on private property with permission of landowners or as part of ■ Eau Claire-based Documation was the cover story in the August
edition of Printing Impressions, a national publication and website that
special events. covers the printing industry. Visit tinyurl.com/nz8wu2x for the complete
■ Eau Claire-based PESI, which provides continuing education
products, entered into an agreement with Cross Country Healthcare to story.
buy Cross Country Education. Cross Country Education employs 52 in ■ MADISON — The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
Brentwood, Tenn., and PESI had offered positions to all of the company’s appointed Tim Weber to the position of regional account manager for its
employees. west-central and northwest Wisconsin region. He can be reached at 608-
210-6772 or [email protected].
■ The Eau Claire Redevelopment Authority voted to change the name ■ MENOMONIE — Local residents Jasen Bullock and Faith Cook
of the West Bank Redevelopment District to the Cannery Redevelopment purchased the nine-hole Pinewood Golf Course, N4545 440th St. The
District. The area north of Madison Street along the west bank of the couple renamed the course Pinewood Golf Club & Restaurant, expanding
Chippewa River once was home to Lange Canning, which operated in the the business’s dining options.
early 20th century. ■ Mike and Connie Olson of Micon Theaters reached a tentative
■ The Eau Claire law firm of Spangler Flory changed its name to
Nodolf Flory following the resignation of attorney William Spangler. Visit agreement to sell the Gemini Drive-in, 6730 U.S. 12 W., town of Union, and
nfattorneys.com for more information. its 40-acre site to Eau Claire Co-op Oil Co.
■ The Sea Horse Inn was sold after a decade on the market, according
■ SEATTLE — Supercomputer maker Cray, which bases its to co-owner Sheilah Radack, 73. Chase Collins of real estate company
manufacturing facilities in Chippewa Falls, announced the establishment Live in Eau Claire was set to buy the building and said he plans to use the
of its European, Middle East and Africa, or EMEA, headquarters at the space for real estate offices and eventually hopes to reopen the bar and
company’s new office in Bristol, United Kingdom. Cray also opened an restaurant.
office in Boston through an acquisition. ■ MENOMONIE — The Dunn County Board of Adjustment
■ M3 Insurance, which has a location in Eau Claire, released its 2015
Trend Report, an annual publication on health insurance costs and plan unanimously approved a special zoning exception to allow for an
designs in Wisconsin. Visit m3ins.com/trendreport for the complete agricultural event barn. John and Julie Govin plan to operate The Weddin’
report. Barn, E6544 627th Ave., in the community of Rusk. It will be used for
weddings, reunions, corporate gatherings and other events. The previous
■ ARCADIA — Shareholders of Ashley Furniture Industries, after month the board approved The Yellow Barn in the town of Hay River
exploring potential investment options earlier this year, decided to retain owned by Pat and Dawn McDonald.
all of their Ashley stock. Ashley had been consulting with Goldman Sachs ■ CHIPPEWA FALLS — Chippewa River Distillery and Brewster
about a possible sale. Bros., a vodka distillery and micro brewery, plans to open by November.
■ LAKE HALLIE – Kris Becker, a certified public accountant and the
owner of Becker Park Basketball training camp, pitched plans to build Renovation and overhaul of the Celebrity Video building at 402 River St.
an 85,000-square-foot indoor sports complex in the village. The building began in March for the business.
would be large enough for six basketball courts along with space for a ■ HUDSON — Airworthy Aerospace, an aircraft interior provider, is
cardio exercise room, weight room, bathrooms and offices. expanding its operations in St. Croix County — a project expected to create
45 new jobs. The $4.6 million expansion marks the third time the company
■ Goodin Co., a Minneapolis-based wholesaler of plumbing parts and has added on to its facilities in Hudson since moving to Wisconsin from
other building components, unveiled plans to double the size of its Eau Minnesota in 2004.
Claire location. The company submitted plans to add a 25,200-square-foot
warehouse to its building of the same size already at 3542 Hogarth St.
■ CHIPPEWA FALLS — Dan Sweeney opened Chippewa Candy Shop,
322 N. Bridge St., in early August. The 1,500-square-foot building
previously housed a Rada’s Men’s Wear clothing
store, which closed in 2010.

September 28, 2015 ♦ | 31

CROSSWORD 1 2
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5 6

Answers on 7
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8 14
15
9
11 21

12
13

17 16
18
19
20 24
26
22
32 | 30
23
ACROSS
25
5. Nos. 37 and 42, respectively, on SafeWise list of
27 state’s safest cities.

28 7. AMK Cleaning Services owner.
11. O in ESOP.
29 13. New local effort to assist youth with disabilities.
17. New EC-based entrepreneurial effort.
EclipseCrossword.com 20. Xcel Energy and football team staffing need.
21. Rotary Club of Eau Claire president.
DOWN 22. Wisconsin state soil.
23. Fox stock market show.
1. Beef jerky mascot. 24. “Don’t Leave Home Without It” company.
2. DECI competition award winner. 25. Rep. candidate rising in polls.
3. Regional McDonald’s owners. 26. S tate’s top consumer complaint in 2014, according
4. Cadott-based sink maker.
6. Top-paying job for recent business majors, to Wisconsin agency.
27. Chippewa Falls trainer of miners.
according to PayScale. 28. Newly remodeled EC business incubator.
8. Current Tony Robbins bestseller “Money: _ _ _.” 29. Chamber of commerce networking event.
9. Chippewa Valley-based Grammy nominee. 30. Contents of award-winning prototype by UW-
10. 10,500-seat Green Bay venue.
12. Top CF elected official. Stout packaging students.
14. “ There is only one boss. The _.” Sam Walton,

Wal-Mart founder.
15. How customers access goods or services.
16. Wisconsin DFI secretary.
18. New Main Street of Menomonie director.
19. Growing aircraft interior provider in Hudson.

♦ September 28, 2015

October CALENDAR

Ongoing UW-Eau Claire also has sessions in its Nonprofit Workshops
series approaching. The schedule includes:
n Women of the Valley, a project of the Western Dairyland
Women’s Business Center, is a monthly business networking group n “Getting Social! Social Media and Socialization for Nonprofit
focused on providing female entrepreneurs, business owners and Professionals” will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at
professionals with access to professional development, volunteer Banbury Place, 800 Wisconsin St.; and again Thursday, Oct. 22, at
and social activities. Upcoming meetings will be held at 5:30 p.m. Hudson Hospital and Conference Center, 405 Stageline Road.
Wednesday, Oct. 14, and Wednesday, Nov. 11. For more information
visit successfulbusiness.org or email [email protected]. n “The Essentials of Effective Leadership: Integrity and
Communication” will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4,
n Several courses are scheduled in UW-Eau Claire Continuing at Banbury Place; and again Thursday, Nov. 5, at Hudson Hospital
Education’s Supervisory Management Certificate Program. and Conference Center.
Courses can be taken individually or as part of the certificate
program. Programs meet from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The For more information about the aforementioned programs, call
schedule includes: 715-836-3636 or 866-893-2423 or visit uwec.edu/CE/.

n ”HR Management for Non-HR Managers,” Oct. 8-9 at n MADISON — Stud­ ents, teache­ rs, pare­ nts and ad­min­is­tra­
Metropolis Resort and Conference Center, 5150 Fairview Drive. tors are en­coura­ ged to ent­er the 2016 vers­ ion of Wis­con­sin Youth
Ent­repreneurs in Science. Wis­cons­ in YES! is a statewide youth busi­
n ”Orientation, Time Management and Delegation,” Oct. 15-16 ness plan con­test mod­eled af­ter the Govern­ or’s Busin­ ess Plan Con­
at Citizens State Bank, 375 Stageline Road, Hudson; and Oct. 22-23 test. The dead­line for init­ial ent­ries from mid­dle- and high-school
at Metropolis Resort and Conference Center. stud­ ents is April 4. The cont­est be­gins with a 250-word sum­mary
subm­ it­ted through wis­con­sinyes.com. En­tries that ad­vance to the
n ”Negotiation Skills,” Nov. 5-6 at Citizens State Bank in seco­ nd phase of the com­pet­i­tion will exp­ and their idea into a 1,000-
Hudson. word exe­ cu­ t­ ive summ­ ary.

n ”Employee Evaluation and Performance Management,” Nov. Oct. 1-2: The first-level program “Motivational Interviewing” will
12-13 at Citizens State Bank in Hudson; and Dec. 3-4 at Metropolis be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the Clarion Hotel, 2703 Craig
Resort and Conference Center. Road. The fee is $300, which includes lunch and materials. For
more information call 715-836-3636 or 866-893-2423.
n “Effective Change Management,” Nov. 19-20 at Metropolis
Resort and Conference Center. See page 34

n ”Improving Managerial Efficency,” Dec. 10-11 at Citizens State
Bank in Hudson.

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CALENDAR October

from Page 33 Oct. 6: The Western Dairyland Women’s Business Center is

Oct. 2: CHIPPEWA FALLS – The Chippewa holding a marketing webinar from noon to 1 p.m. for rural

Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is holding its small-business owners and entrepreneurs. The cost is $15,

“Business ‘N Breakfast” program at 7:15 a.m. at and participants will receive class materials and a link to the

Ojibwa Golf & Bowl, 8140 136th St. State Sen. webinar site by email the morning of the event. For more

Terry Moulton, R-town of Seymour, will discuss information or to register, visit successfulbusiness.org or call

how the state budget affects the Chippewa 715-836-7511, ext. 1171.

Valley. The cost is $10 for chamber members and n Also on Oct. 6, free farmers market training will be from

$20 for nonmembers. Register by calling 715-723- 6 to 8 p.m. at the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce,

0331 or emailing [email protected]. Moulton 120 N. Water St., Black River Falls. Participants will learn

n Also on Oct. 2, the program “Advanced Grant Proposal how to become a successful vendor at the markets in Arcadia,

Writing and Evaluation” will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Whitehall and Black River Falls. For more information or to

Banbury Place, 800 Wisconsin St. Call 715-836-3636 or 866-893- register, visit successfulbusiness.org or call 715-985-2391, ext.

2423 or visit uwec.edu/CE/ for more information. 1211.
Oct. 6-7: MENOMONIE – The Fall Career Conference will
n Also on Oct. 2, National Manufacturing Day will be
be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at the UW-Stout Sports &
celebrated. For more information visit mfg­day.com.
Oct. 2-4: The Eau Claire Startup Weekend will be held at Fitness Center, which is at the intersection of Broadway St. and

the newly remodeled Lismore hotel, 205 S. Barstow St. The 13th Ave. The event is for UW-Stout students, alumni, faculty

54-hour event features developers, designers, marketers, and staff. Visit www.uwstout.edu/careers/careerconference.

product managers and startup enthusiasts coming together to cfm for details.
Oct. 7: A free kickoff event for Ignite Wisconsin will be from
share ideas, form teams, build products and launch startups.
5 to 7 p.m. at the Acoustic Cafe, 505 S. Barstow St. The effort
Michael Norton of UP Global will facilitate the event. Visit ec-
is an Innovation Foundation of Western Wisconsin program
startupweekend.com for more information.
Oct. 5: CHIPPEWA FALLS – The Community Foundation that features video testimonials and other resources for

of Chippewa County is holding its “Annual Report to the entrepreneurs. Visit ignitewisconsin.org for more information.
Oct. 8: CHIPPEWA FALLS – “Safety Day 2015” will be from
County” celebration from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Avalon Hotel &
7:45 a.m.to 3 p.m. at Chippewa Valley Technical College, 770
Conference Center, 1009 W. Park Ave. Visit yourlegacyforever.
Scheidler Road. The event is designed for safety managers,
org for details.
Oct. 5-6: The fifth ann­ ual Lead­er­ship Wisc­ on­sin Con­fer­ence human resources professionals, wellness coordinators, front line

will be Oct. 5-6 at The Plaza Ho­tel & Suites, 1202 W. Claire­mont supervisors, maintenance employees and other workers looking

Ave. to update their safety skills and knowledge. The cost is $64,

The event prov­ ides opp­ or­tun­ i­ties to iden­ which includes continental breakfast, snacks and lunch. Group

tify best pract­ ices in leade­ rs­ hip de­vel­opm­ ent discounts are available. Contact Jessica Janssen at 715-874-4644

through work­shops and speak­ers and cel­e­brate or [email protected] for more information.

the suc­cess of comm­ u­nity leade­ rs. Scott Zimm­ er, n Also on Oct. 8, Fries Financial Group and Northwestern

a speaker and mar­ket re­searcher for Min­neapo­ Bank are holding the free program “The Importance of Long

lis-based Bridge­works, will pro­vide a key­note Term Care & Estate Planning” from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and again

add­ ress. Jake Wrasse, UW-Eau Claire stud­ ent from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Avalon Hotel & Conference Center,

body presi­­dent, and JAMF co-founder Zach Halmsted 1009 W. Park Ave., Chippewa Falls. Reserve a spot by calling
Halm­stad also are schedu­ led to speak.
715-720-9605.
Oct. 13: RICE LAKE – A Leadership Conference is slated for
The cost for the full conf­ere­ nce is $149. Sin­gle-day and event-
7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical
spec­ ific opt­ ions are avail­able. Visit con­fere­ nce.leade­ rs­ hip­
wisc­ ons­ in.org for de­tails. College and UW-Barron County campuses. The event is

Thank You!To All Of Our Customers intended for current and future leaders

in business, government and nonprofit

organizations. The seminar “Dare to Grow

- How to Become an Authentic Leader” will

For helping us achieve the feature motivational speaker and author Byrd

2015 Small Business of the Year, Baggett, whose keynote presentation is on the

Awarded by the The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce same topic. The day also will include morning

and afternoon breakout sessions and hands-on

Est. 1978 workshops. It will close with Lee Swindall, Baggett

vice president of business and industry

787305_9-28-15 development for the Wisconsin Economic Development

QG 6WUHHW &KLSSHZD )DOOV :, • 715.832.0800 Corp., speaking on “Leading by Leaps: Owning the Risks and
E of HWY 53 Bypass N of the Melby Street exit
*UHHQ2DVLV*DUGHQV FRP Rewards of High Stakes Change.” The registration fee, which

includes lunch, is $149. For more information or to register, visit

witc.edu or call 800-243-9482, ext. 5045.

34 | ♦ September 28, 2015

October CALENDAR

n Also on Oct. 13, UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education is n Also on Oct. 20, the program “Microsoft Excel: Basic” will
holding the program “Cybersecurity: What Does it Mean for be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Room 27 at the Chippewa
your Organization?” from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Clarion Hotel, 2703 Valley Technical College Business Education Center, 620 W.
Craig Road. The cost is $70. For more information or to register, Clairemont Ave. The cost is $104. Visit cvtc.edu or call 800-547-
call 715-836-3636 or 866-893-2423. 2882 for more information.

n Also on Oct. 13, the “Chamber/CVTC Business Oct. 22: The Western Dairyland Women’s Business Center is
Community Breakfast” will be from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at Chippewa holding a website basics webinar from noon to 1 p.m. for rural
Valley Technical College’s Energy Education Center, 4000 small-business owners and entrepreneurs. The cost is $15, and
Campus Road. Visit cvtc.edu or eauclairechamber.org for participants will receive class materials and a link to the webinar
details. site by email the morning of the event. For more information or to
register, visit successfulbusiness.org or call 715-836-7511, ext. 1171.
Oct. 14, Nov. 4, Dec. 2: MENOMONIE — The program
“Innovations in Healthcare” will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Oct. 27: The program “Compressed Air: Identifying, Analyzing
day. The event will provide national experts who will offer and Implementing Energy Reduction Opportunities” will be from
insights in areas such as financing options, pharmacy clinics 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hutchinson Technology Inc., 2435 Alpine Road.
and wellness programs. Visit www.uwstout.edu/profed/ihc. Xcel Energy and HTI are hosting the program. The cost is $129.
cfm to register. For more information contact Taylor Schaa at Visit tinyurl.com/pvp3aa9 for more information or to register.
715-232-5506 or [email protected].
Oct. 28: CHIPPEWA FALLS – The program “Adobe Photoshop:
n Also on Oct. 14, A Lunch and Learn Workshop will be from Basic” will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Room 103 at
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dunn County Government Center, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 770 Scheidler Road. The cost
800 Wilson Ave., Menomonie. is $104. Visit cvtc.edu or call 800-547-2882 for more information.

Oct. 16: GREEN BAY — The fifth annual Wisconsin Summit Oct. 29: The free program “How to Prepare Your 990 for
on Financial Literacy will be at Lambeau Field. The conference Success” will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Holiday Inn Eau Claire
is geared toward teachers, community outreach educators and South, 4751 Owen Ayres Court. The presenter is Yigit Uctum
workplace professionals who have an interest in enhancing of Wegner CPAs. Visit wegnercpas.com/seminars-education to
financial and economic literacy. The cost, which includes lunch, register.
is $95. Visit economicswisconsin.org/lambeau.html for details.
See page 36
Oct. 20: The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce’s “2015
Business Expo & Job Fair” will be from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Building a BetterWorld forAll of Us®
at the Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center, 3456 Craig Road. The
event will include more than 150 exhibitors, seminars, a speed Located in downtown Chippewa
networking event and other networking opportunities. For Falls and committed to serving
more information visit eauclairechamber.org or contact Becky communities and businesses in
Seelen at 715-858-0615. the Chippewa Valley for more than
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September 28, 2015 ♦ | 35

CALENDAR November, December

from Page 35 Nov. 18: The Eau Claire Chamber Educational Foundation’s

Nov. 2-3: MENOMONIE – An International Organization for Real Life Academy will be at the Lismore, 205 S. Barstow St.

Standardization, or ISO, internal auditor training will be from The interactive money management program will include

8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.each day at UW-Stout’s Memorial Student students from Altoona, Augusta, Fall Creek, Memorial, North

Center, 302 10th Ave. E. For more information or to register, and Regis high schools. Visit eauclairechamber.org for more

visit www.uwstout.edu/profed/iso or contact Joni Geroux at information.
Nov. 19: The program “Microsoft Excel: Intermediate” will
715-232-5270.
Nov. 4: CHIPPEWA FALLS – The program “Adobe InDesign: be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Room 27 at the Chippewa

Tips & Tricks” will be from 8 a.m. to noon in Room 103 at Valley Technical College Business Education Center, 620 W.

Chippewa Valley Technical College, 770 Scheidler Road. Clairemont Ave. The cost is $104. Visit cvtc.edu or call 800-547-

The cost is $59. Visit cvtc.edu or call 800-547-2882 for more 2882 for more information.
Nov. 20: The date is the deadline for the 28th annual
information.
Nov. 4-5: MENOMONIE – The eighth annual Manufacturing Manufacturer of the Year Award program. The recognition

Advantage Conference & Technology Showcase will be pays tribute to manufacturers in Wisconsin across all sectors

from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. the first day and 7:30 a.m. to 3:15 of the economy that are “devoted to creating a better quality

the second day at UW-Stout. The event provides a forum of life for the citizens of our great state,” according to a news

for regional manufacturers to learn best practices and release. Winners will be revealed and celebrated Feb. 25 at

participate in interactive, hands-on breakout The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee. Applications and additional

sessions, industry-expert keynote speakers, information are available by visiting wimoty.com or calling

including Robert Tucker of The Innovation 800-362-7301.
Nov. 24: The free program “Accounting & Audit Update” will
Resource Consulting Group, and networking
be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Holiday Inn Eau Claire South, 4751
opportunities. Registration is $169 through Oct.
Owen Ayres Court. The presenter is Dave Johnsen of Wegner
15, $219 from Oct. 16-30 and $269 after Oct.
CPAs. Visit wegnercpas.com/seminars-education to register.
30. The fee is $50 for students. Email profed@ Dec. 2: MENOMONIE – The program “Adobe Photoshop:

uwstout.edu or call 715-232-2793 for more Tips & Tricks” will be from 8 a.m. to noon in Room 105 at

information. Tucker Chippewa Valley Technical College, 403 Technology Drive E.
Nov. 5-6: The second-level program
The cost is $59. Visit cvtc.edu or call 800-547-2882 for more
“Motivational Interviewing” will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each
information.
day at the Clarion Hotel, 2703 Craig Road. The fee is $300, Dec. 3: A Holiday Open House for members will be from 3:30

which includes lunch and materials. For more information call to 6 p.m. at the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, 101 N.

715-836-3636 or 866-893-2423. Farwell St.
Nov. 6: MADISON — When Work Works, an initiative
Dec. 4-5: MINOCQUA – The Governor’s
to promote effective and flexible workplaces, is accepting
Northern Wisconsin Economic Development
applications through this date for its 2015-2016 awards
Summit will be at The Waters of Minocqua, 8116
program that recognizes employers for innovative practices.
U.S. 51 S. The program includes presentations
The Wisconsin State Council Society for Human Resource
by Gov. Scott Walker and Lt. Gov. Rebecca
Management is a regional partner in the effort. Visit
Kleefisch. The cost is $75 through Dec. 3 and $85
whenworkworks.org for details.
Nov. 10: The Western Dairyland Women’s Business Center after that date. Visit northwoodssummit.com for

is holding a business plan basics webinar from noon to 1 p.m. more information. Walker
Dec. 8: The Western Dairyland Women’s
for rural small-business owners and entrepreneurs. The cost is
Business Center is holding a “Mission Driven” webinar
$15, and participants will receive class materials and a link to
from noon to 1 p.m. for rural small-business owners and
the webinar site by email the morning of the event. For more
entrepreneurs. The cost is $15, and participants will receive
information or to register, visit successfulbusiness.org or call
class materials and a link to the webinar site by email the
715-836-7511, ext. 1171.
morning of the event. For more information or to register, visit
n Also on Nov. 10, free farmers market training will be
successfulbusiness.org or call 715-836-7511, ext. 1171.
from 6 to 8 p.m. at Western Dairyland, 23122 Whitehall Dec. 10: The program “Microsoft Outlook: Effective Email

Road, Independence. Participants will learn how to become Management” will be from 9 a.m. to noon and “Microsoft

a successful vendor at the markets in Arcadia, Whitehall and Outlook: Time Management with Calendars and Tasks” will

Black River Falls. For more information or to register, visit be from 1 to 4 p.m. in Room 27 at Chippewa Valley Technical

successfulbusiness.org or call 715-985-2391, ext. 1211. College’s Business Education Center, 620 W. Clairemont Ave.
Nov. 11: CHIPPEWA FALLS – The program “Microsoft
The cost for each is $49. Visit cvtc.edu or call 800-547-2882 for
OneNote” will be from 8 a.m. to noon in Room 103 at Chippewa
more information.
Valley Technical College, 770 Scheidler Road. The cost is $59. Dec. 16: The program “Microsoft Excel: Advanced” will

Visit cvtc.edu or call 800-547-2882 for more information. be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Room 27 of Chippewa

n Also on Nov. 11, A Lunch and Learn Workshop will be from Valley Technical College’s Business Education Center, 620 W.

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dunn County Government Center, Clairemont Ave. The cost is $104. Visit cvtc.edu or call 800-547-

800 Wilson Ave., Menomonie. 2882 for more information.

36 | ♦ September 28, 2015

Federal grant to assist IS YOUR BUSINESS
Wisconsin exporters READY TO ACCEPT
EMV CHIP CARDS?
Leader-Telegram staff
D" 2 %%/2Visa and MasterCard are shifting
MADISON – The U.S. Small Business Administration the “card-present” fraud2% , % to
awarded the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. a merchants as an incentive 2, - 2
$712,000 grant to help state companies achieve their export to process2 " 2- /2. 2 * EMV
goals. WchipW cards.
Royal Credit Union has partnered with
The grant represents the fourth-largest amount received Wind River Financial to offer Secure, Cost
by the 40 states approved for a portion of the $17.4 million Effective, and Business-Owner-
of funding available through the State Trade and Export friendly methods for
Promotion Program. WEDC will leverage the funds to help accepting payments.
companies participate in two of the agency’s export readiness
programs. Wind River Financial provides:
U Local expertise
First, funds from the SBA STEP Program will be made U State-of-the-art technology
available to ExporTech participants. ExporTech is an export U Designated Relationship Managers
acceleration program funded by WEDC and administered U Fair, transparent, and sustainable pricing
by the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership and U At-will agreements – no contracts!
the UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center. ExporTech U Industry information you can use
helps Wisconsin companies expand their global market reach
through guided development of an international growth Learn about Wind River’s After the
plan. Handshake Service Promise.
www.AfterTheHandShake.com
ExporTech participants will be able to utilize funds
from the SBA STEP Program in increments of $2,500 up Z %%2 - 2 2 2, - 2 + * 2
to a total of $15,000 to help them implement their export * % 2

/2 ) 02

2
plans. Companies will chose from a list of eligible expense 2! 2 4
options, including export compliance, translation services,
market assessments, trade shows, and partner or distributor BUSINESS rcu.org
searches.
LOANS & SERVICES
“ExporTech was designed specifically for manufacturers
who need innovative ways to grow, and see international 786848 9-28-15
sales as part of the answer,” said Joni Geroux, assistant
director of Professional Education Programs and Services at September 28, 2015 ♦ | 37
UW-Stout, in a recent Leader-Telegram story. “The program
provides executive leaders with a systemic approach for
entering or expanding in global markets.”

Separately, any Wisconsin company may tap STEP Grant
funds to attend an upcoming trade venture organized by
WEDC or the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade
and Consumer Protection.

STEP Grant funds are available for exporting activities
that take place from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2016. To qualify,
companies must meet SBA small business requirements,
which for manufacturing companies require fewer than 500
employees and for agricultural companies stipulate annual
revenues of less than $7 million.

“Wisconsin leads the nation in its programs designed to
help companies expand through global trade,” said Katy
Sinnott, vice president of international business development
for WEDC, in a news release. “Our STEP Grant award is
a testament to the effectiveness of Wisconsin’s ExporTech
program and our targeted export promotion strategies.”

WEDC recently expanded its global network to include
trade representatives covering 79 countries who are able to
provide the insights and contacts needed to fulfill market-
specific business development strategies.

For more information about WEDC export assistance, visit
inwisconsin.com/export.

2,098 $27M+ 24,625
Area investment last year Number of new business entities created
Number of combined home sales made by graduates of the in Wisconsin over the first seven months of
in Eau Claire, Chippewa and Dunn Chippewa Valley Innovation the year, according to the state Department
counties through August. The total Center, an Eau Claire of Financial Insitutions. That is 3.4 percent
is 18.5 percent more than in the business incubator. more than in the year-ago period.
first eight months of 2014.

Amount of the world's
weather forecasting done by
supercomputers made by Cray,

which houses much of its

60%operations in Chippewa Falls,
according to the company.

Number of Wisconsinites who By the
died due to work injury last year. NUMBERS
The annual average over the past

decade is 98, according to UW-

97Madison. Workplace deaths grew
2 percent nationally in 2014.

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C H I P P E WA V A L L E Y I N N O V A T I O N C E N T E R

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38 | C O

29 30

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• As a true community bank with more than $1.5 billion in assets, we are small enough to
know your name and big enough to finance businesses and projects of almost any size.

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Give me a call or stop in for a visit at Merchants Bank. We’re located on Mall Drive, kitty-corner
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