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Published by APG Media of Wisconsin, LLC, 2019-12-12 14:17:43

Business Leader | Summer 2015

Business Leader | Summer 2015

Keywords: businesses

SUMMER 2015

SponsorED BY

Handing down

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Multigenerational local companies featured

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• Community Support
• Hyping Health
• Growth Industry

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Good morning Eau Claire!
We’re happy to be here.

We may be new to Eau Claire, but we’ve been
around Wisconsin for a long time. So you can
expect big things from us. Like building area
businesses, and a healthier community together.
Stop by for a cup of coffee and say hello.

3947 Oakwood Hills Parkway, Eau Claire • 552-5557
800-908-BANK (2265) • Bremer.com

Member FDIC. © 2015 Bremer Financial Corporation. All rights reserved.

775537_6-15-15

2 | ♦ June 15, 2015

Page 4

SUMMER 2015 COVER STORY

➤ Guest Columns ���������������������� Pages 10 & 13 Family-run businesses abound.
➤ Book Review ���������������������������������� Page 12
➤ Business Directory �������������������������� Page 17 Page 14
➤ Briefcase ������������������������������� Pages 22 - 25
➤ Crossword ������������������������������������� Page 26 COMMUNITY PROFILE
➤ Calendar ������������������������������ Pages 27 - 29
➤ By The Numbers ���������������������������� Page 30

Graphic Artist ~ Page 18
J_o_h_n_B_al_g_aa_rd_
Community leaders featured.
Sales Director ~
_Ka_t_hy_.H_a_y_d_en_@_e_c_pc_.c_o_m_ Page 16

Magazine Advertising & FEATURE STORY
Distribution Coordinator ~

[email protected]

Editor ~ Chippewa Falls company growing.

[email protected] ➤ New college graduates earn $5,000 to $6,000 more

715-833-9215 or 800-236-7077 per year when they start out compared with high school
graduates. The gap widens to $25,000 after 15 years.
The all-night study sessions, early-morning alarms
and lengthy athletic trips are over. ➤ The jobless rate earlier this year was 2.7 percent for
At least for now.
Thousands of high school students are turning a page in college graduates, while it was 5.4 percent for high school
their lives by graduating this month. Some will be taking graduates.
jobs, others will travel and most will take on another
round of schooling in the fall. This is not to criticize those who opt to start their careers
right after high school or choose to follow another path.
The immediate responsibility for many will be to obtain But it does show that, despite rising tuition rates and
gainful employment for the summer months. Even more the resulting sticker shock suffered by parents, a college
immediate are the countless graduation parties that dot education more often than not does pay off.
the landscape in June.
Regardless of their specific plans for the future, here’s
College is not for everyone but statistics show, for the wishing good luck to all 2015 graduates. In another four
most part, that it does pay dividends. A recent Bloomberg years – likely five or more for many – hopefully many
Business story highlighted the following results from a will once again be draped in a gown and sliding a tassel
report by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco: to the left side of their caps.

➤ Those with college degrees earned about $20,300

more annually over the past 40 years than those without.

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 MultigeneratioanBretbaolTangley,ubownernofudEausiinnClaire-

ChippeewssaesValleyBy based Sterling Water, still uses some of the same

Leader-Telegram staff style tanks
eeping family and work lives
separate is easier said than that his
K may blur in these grandparents
Eric Lindquist, used when

founding the firm in

1949. Staff photo by

Steve Kinderman

done for owners of the many
● Water world ●family-owned businesses in
the Chippewa Valley. As a third-generation “Culligan man,” Sterling

While the lines between Water owner Bret Tangley is proud to be following

personal and professional in the footsteps of his father and grandfather and

yet still eager to put his own stamp on the family

entrepreneurial families, business: water.

they don’t mind. While the Eau Claire-based Culligan franchise

Business is a way of life for many family-owned still uses some of the same filtration tanks that were

businesses, and for some of those families it has been considered state-of-the-art when his grandparents W.

that way for generations. Sterling and Jo Tangley co-founded the company in

Sterling Water in Eau Claire, the Markquart 1949 in Ellsworth, Bret said most of the technology

auto dealerships in Lake Hallie, Thaler Oil Co. in used by the business has changed dramatically,

Chippewa Falls and Wieser Concrete near Ellsworth becoming much more automated and less labor-

are among the dozens of multigenerational intensive.

operations in the region where business is a Bret’s grandfather sold a previous family business,

family affair. a general store in Northfield, Minn., to launch a

company, Sterling Water. COVER STORY
Bret, now 47, started working part time for the
Sterling Water’s original company truck is pictured in Ellsworth. Contributed photo.
company in 1982 at age 14. He worked in sales,
Culligan franchise after a company representative delivery, service and management before buying the
walked into the store one day and told him about company from his parents in 2008.
opportunities in the water industry. Sterling wrote a
$50 check for the franchise and moved his family to “I grew up in it,” said Bret, who has presided over
Ellsworth, where he began with 10 accounts. continued growth, in part the result of a series of
acquisitions.
In 1972, Sterling’s son Peter, who worked in the
business from a young age, combined with his The company now serves more than 30,000
wife, Karol, to start their own Culligan dealership customers out of locations in Eau Claire, Wausau,
in Altoona serving mostly Eau Claire, Dunn and Waupaca and Sauk Center, Minn. It has 53
Chippewa counties. Four years later Peter and Karol employees.
formed a partnership with Peter’s sister Paula and
bought the Culligan franchise in Pierce County “Everything has gotten bigger and more complex,
from their parents. They later added Culligan but there is still much that hasn’t changed,” Bret
of Stillwater, Minn., and incorporated into one said.

One constant has been the company’s core mission
— providing customers with clean, pure water.

Other central company tenets that have survived
the generations are philosophies emphasizing the
needs of customers over the needs of the business
and the inclusion of employees in company
strategizing and decision-making. Bret believes the
latter approach has contributed to the company
retaining some employees that once worked for his
grandpa.

“Our values haven’t changed in a long time,” Bret
said.

He never had much doubt that he would work in
the family business.

“It was really important to my parents that I have
the opportunity to take over the business if I wanted
it,” Bret said, “and I imagine it was the same for my
grandparents and my dad.”

As for the future, Bret said it’s too early to know
if his kids, at ages 13, 10 and 6, will be interested in
someday carrying on the family torch.

“I would really like to see that happen, but my
kids haven’t been around it as much as I was. Times
have changed,” Bret said. “We’ll see what happens.”

● Rolling along ●
As the third generation of Markquarts in the

car business, Dave and John Markquart have a

lot of family history to draw upon in formulating

strategies for their dealerships in Lake Hallie.

Dave, for instance, was just 10 when he started

cleaning parts bins for his father’s dealership. His

wage: 10 cents an hour.

More than four decades later, he proudly declared,

“I’ve done every job in the dealership.”

And he always enjoyed the business and never

wavered from his desire to sell cars for a living.

“You grow up with that around the dinner table,”

Dave said. See page 6

June 15, 2015 ♦ |5

from Page 5

At 55, Dave now

COVER STORY owns 75 percent of

Markquart Motors.

He also owns Skeeter

Boat Centers in

Chippewa Falls and

Ramsey, Minn.

“We’ve grown to

be the third-largest

Skeeter dealer in the

country in seven years

after starting from

scratch,” he said.

John, 54, owns

the other quarter of

Markquart Motors

and 100 percent of

Markquart Toyota and

Markquart Lube-N- From left, Charlee, John, Dave and Lee Markquart pose recently at one of their Lake Hallie dealerships. Staff photo by Dan Reiland

Wash. His son Charlee and waxing the floors as a 10-year-old. He recalls

also is involved in the business.
The brothers are proud to be carrying on the legacy getting paid about $5 for his labor.
Fifty-two years later Steve presides with his
started by their late grandfather, Ed Markquart, who
younger brother John over a sprawling energy
began his family’s involvement in the industry by
business that includes 14 Express Mart convenience
becoming a Mobil Oil jobber in Jackson, Minn., in
stores, serves customers within a 50-mile radius of
1931, and launching an auto franchise in 1946. His
son Lee bought a struggling local Pontiac, Oldsmobile Chippewa Falls and employs 150 people.
The Thaler Oil story began in 1955 when George
and Cadillac dealership and moved his family to Eau
Claire in 1970. The company then had 10 employees Thaler bought a floundering oil business and was
the sole employee supplying 28 fuel oil customers.
and $2.7 million in annual sales.
The firm supplied Shell gas stations in the 1960s,
Lee added franchises and built it into the region’s
expanded into convenience stores in the ’70s and
largest dealership before officially retiring in 2014
diversified into propane in the ’80s.
after 70 years in the auto industry.
George’s Depression-era upbringing had a lasting
Overall, the Markquart companies had 278
influence on him, inspiring a strong work ethic
employees and $149 million in sales in 2014.
and an appreciation of the value of a
One of Lee’s central beliefs — that good people
dollar.
are essential to the company’s success — meant the
“He never spent any more money
dealerships always placed a high priority on treating
than he had to,” Steve said of his
employees well. As a result, even in an industry
father. “He taught me that you take
known for high turnover, 72 workers have been with
only calculated risks in business, that
the business for at least 10 years.
if you keep it cheap your mistakes are
“That makes it easier to run businesses as they
not so expensive.”
grow and get more complex,” said Dave, whose Steve Thaler Those values carry on at Thaler
wife, Michelle, stars in the dealership’s TV and radio
Oil, which still maintains its headquarters in the
commercials.
original location at 310 S. Main St. in Chippewa
As for working with family, Dave said the
Falls, through the late owner’s sons.
Markquarts always have found a way to work out
any differences that arose, in part due to their belief in “He always made me work, so that instilled a
strong work ethic in me too and gave me a sense of
written agreements.
“You have to have open communication and be able value,” Steve said of his father.
Through it all, Steve said he never really
to talk it out,” he said. “Being involved in a family
considered a different career.
business is great if everybody can work together.”
“I worked in the business starting at a very young
● Fueling growth ● age and I enjoyed it,” he said. “I went to college and

Steve Thaler’s career at the company that bears graduate school with the idea that I always wanted

his name started inauspiciously with him washing to work here.”

● DISCOVER the
BENEFITS
Family Affairs
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Here is a list of many of the multigenerational, family-owned +6+6 6W -RVHSK¶V 2FFXSDWLRQDO +HDOWK DQG
businesses based in the Chippewa Valley: 0HGLFLQH VHUYHV EXVLQHVVHV DQG LQGXVWULHV
WKURXJKRXW ZHVWHUQ :LVFRQVLQ IURP WKHVH
Action City/Metropolis Resort, Asher Lasting Exteriors, Baker FRQYHQLHQW ORFDWLRQV
Jewelers, Benedict Refrigeration Service, Chilson Motors, Chip-
pewa Trails Tours, Chippewa Valley Airport Service, Christensen +6+6 6W -RVHSK¶V +RVSLWDO &KLSSHZD )DOOV
Florist, Coldwell Banker Brenizer, Donnellan Real Estate, Fuller- +6+6 6DFUHG +HDUW +RVSLWDO (DX &ODLUH
Speckien-Hulke Funeral Home, Garbers Electric Motor Repair,
Gordy’s County Market, Govin’s Barber Salon, Greater Midwest :KHWKHU \RXU EXVLQHVV LV FORVHU WR (DX &ODLUH RU
Mercantile, Haselwander Realty, Hometown Variety & Crafts, &KLSSHZD )DOOV VLPSO\ VHOHFW WKH PRVW FRQYHQLHQW
Hovland’s Heating-Ventilation-Air Conditioning, Huebsch Ser- ORFDWLRQ IRU FRPSOHWH RFFXSDWLRQDO KHDOWK DQG PHGL
vices, Julson Auto, Ken Vance Motors, Keyes Chevrolet, Klinger FLQH VHUYLFHV LQFOXGLQJ SUH SODFHPHQW H[DPV DQG
Farm Market, Korgers Furniture and Decorating, Larson Cos., IXQFWLRQDO WHVWLQJ WR SUHYHQW ZRUN UHODWHG KHDOWK DQG
Lasker Jewelers, Leader-Telegram, Leinenkugel Brewing Co., VDIHW\ LVVXHV GUXJ DQG DOFRKRO WHVWLQJ '27 H[DPV
Mahler Family Dentistry, Market & Johnson, Markquart Motors & 26+$ VXUYHLOODQFH VHUYLFHV DQG VSHFLDOL]HG WUHDW
Markquart Toyota, Martell Tire & Auto Service, Marten Trans- PHQW DQG UHKDELOLWDWLRQ WR UHWXUQ \RXU HPSOR\HHV WR
port, May’s Floral, McDonough Manufacturing, Menards, Micon ZRUN VDIHO\ DQG TXLFNO\
Cinemas, Morgan Music, Mouldy’s Archery and Tackle, Muldoon’s
Mens Wear, Nels Gunderson Chevrolet, Osseo Ford Sales & )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ DERXW WKH EHQH¿WV ZH FDQ RIIHU
Service, Phillip’s Shoes, Plank Enterprises, Pleasant Valley Tree \RXU EXVLQHVV DQG ZRUNHUV IURP HLWKHU ORFDWLRQ FDOO
Farm/ Pleasant Valley Properties, Premium Lawn Service, Re/
Max Real Estate Group, Senn Blacktop, Siker’s Furniture, Silver
Spring Foods, Smith Funeral Chapel, Southworth Chevrolet, [email protected]
Sterling Water, Thaler Oil Co., Tru-Lock & Security, Ted’s Pizza,
Toycen Motors & Bloomer Ford, Walker Auto, Weaver’s Country June 15, 2015 ♦ 775829_6-15-15
Store, Weiser Concrete Products, West Hill Bar, Woods and
Water Real Estate, Zacho Sports Center. |7



Beyond just business concepts, George taught his sons
that family is the most important thing in life, so that
principle guides Steve, 62, and John, 47, as they run the
company together, even though it’s not always easy
separating business and family roles.

“You have to get along, and you have to spend a lot of
time working,” Steve said. “We got through all that, and I
feel fortunate to have gotten to work with my father and
now my brother.”

Though some experts would advise family-owned
businesses to draft formal agreements to designate
responsibilities, that’s never been the Thaler way. They
rely more on an unwritten understanding among family
members and rarely have had a problem.

“We just kind of always had this idea that we’re going
to do what’s best for the company,” Steve said.

● Cast in stone ●

On its 50th anniversary, Wieser Concrete Products still
manufactures the concrete septic tanks that were the first
products made when Joseph Wieser moved his family
from La Crescent, Minn., to 120 acres of land 10 miles east
of Ellsworth to start a fledgling company.

But little else beyond the last name of the owners,
the core product and the location of the corporate
headquarters remains the same.

After a series of acquisitions and additions, Wieser
Concrete Products now has about 150 employees out of
five locations. With additional facilities in Menomonie,
Fond du Lac, Portage and Roxana, Ill., the company is a
pillar of the concrete business in the Upper Midwest.

See page 8

from Page 7

In addition to septic tanks,

Wieser Concrete Products

now makes manure storage

systems, bunker silos for the

agricultural industry, median

barriers and pavement slabs

for highways, burial vaults

for military cemeteries and

hundreds of other products.

After guiding the growing

company for 33 years, Joseph

sold it to sons Mark, Andy

and Dan in 1998. That sale

came 12 years after he sold

control of a Williamsburg,

Iowa, concrete operation to

his daughter and son-in-law,

Cindy and Roger Maxwell,

who still operate that location

as Wieser Precast.

Andy Wieser, 48, president Wieser Concrete recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Its leadership team includes, from left, Dan (corporate secretary), Andy (president), Mary (Joseph’s wife), Joseph (past
of Wieser Concrete Products, president) and Mark (executive vice president) Weiser. Contributed photo.
said the succession went

pretty smoothly. members from two generations still work for Wieser Concrete

“The hardest part isn’t so much the generation taking over; Products.

it’s the generation letting go,” Andy said. “When I look at our Andy, who started working for the family business at 16, said

business and how dad built it up and made it grow, it was tough he wouldn’t have it any other way. “My desire all along was to
for him to let go. It was his heart and soul.”
end up in the business,” he said.
Joseph pulled back gradually and now is not very involved,
Andy and Mark manage the company, with Mark working out
although his sons still tap his expertise on various aspects of the of the Portage location and focusing on commercial products and
business at times.
Andy staying in the main office and handling agricultural items.
For the next generation taking the reins, Andy said it’s
“It goes smoothly because we know and understand each
important for them to prove themselves to earn the respect of
other so well,” Andy said, adding with a chuckle, “and the
unrelated employees.
distance helps.”
“It’s a lot better if you come through the ranks and earn it,”
As for the future, the brothers aren’t sure which of their 10 kids
Andy said. “There’s not many jobs in this place I haven’t done, will be interested in possibly taking over some day, although
and I think that helps. We’re pretty much hands-on.”
they like the idea of continuing the family tradition.
Adding to the family business legacy, Andy’s son Drew started “There is a lot of opportunity for these kids if they want to
managing the Illinois plant at age 23 and Andy’s other three
grab a hold of it and take it,” Andy said.
children also either work for the company or intend to. Mark and Lindquist can be reached at 715-833-9209, 800-236-7077 or eric.
Dan also have sons who work at the business. In all, 10 family
[email protected].

777567 6-15-15

8 | ♦ June 15, 2015

● Succession Planning Can you offer suggestions as to effective ways to overcome or get
around those kinds of problems?
David Kochendorfer is a consultant with UW-Eau
Claire’s Small Business Development Center, part of the The best way to overcome potential issues in succession planning is utilizing a
statewide SBDC network managed by UW-Extension third party expert to assist in developing your plan to meet the needs of the owner
to support entrepreneurs and business owners through or multiple owners. There are several questions that need to be addressed in de-
no-cost, confidential consulting and educational programs. veloping a succession plan and it is important for the owners to understand their
Following are his edited responses to questions about options from both a financial and nonfinancial perspective.
succession planning for family businesses:
Do family-run businesses in particular face potential power struggles
What are some basic keys to planning for a smooth business succes- or conflicts unless a plan is written down and agreed upon?
sion for family-run operations?
A written succession plan that is signed by the owners will reduce the probabil-
Throughout my career in working with privately held companies and consult- ity of power struggles within a business, although it may not completely eliminate
ing, it is essential to understand what each owner’s goals are from both a personal them. The succession plan needs to clearly state the rules and these rules need to
and business perspective. Once this is known a plan can be developed to achieve be agreed upon, followed and enforced by the owners.
their goals. It is important to understand the various options available to owners
for accomplishing their goals and the financial/tax implications. All of that said, does the transition from one generation to the next
usually go OK?
What are some common problems that family-run businesses run
into regarding business succession? The success of a business from one generation to the next is dependent on sev-
eral factors as there are some businesses that continue to thrive through several
There are several issues that can occur which can be resolved by understanding generations while others do not successfully make the transition. A key success
the owner’s goals from a personal and business perspective and developing a plan factor is first having a complete succession plan and then honestly answering the
prior to having a change in ownership event occur. following three questions:

The more owners in a business typically the more difficult it becomes to reach a • Is there someone in the next generation who wants to run the business?
consensus for succession planning. A few examples of issues that may occur due to • Do they truly get the job responsibility and authority of running the business?
the lack of a succession plan or an incomplete plan are: differing opinions on the • Do they have the capability to run the business?
value of the business; owners having different needs and times of wanting to exit
the business; not having a succession plan and a tragedy or health issues occur — Compiled by Eric Lindquist
with an owner; or determining what to do with the business such as selling, hiring
a nonfamily member to run the business or having a sibling run the business and
then determining which sibling is interested and capable of running the business.

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BUSINESS LEADER READERS! 777566 6-15-15 |9

Visit rmmsolutions.com/BL for details. June 15, 2015 ♦

CEO SPEAK
Lvieocratidme?r
Jeff West is the owner of
Bear Down (beardowninc.
com), an executive and
executive team coaching

company based in Eau

Delegation, time management Claire. He was a founder
and CEO of Silicon Logic
Engineering. He also

keys to being the former currently chairs the local
chapter of TEC (The
Executive Committee) and

“Leadership is a mindset that shifts from being a victim to Business Partners, a forum
creating results. Any one of us can demonstrate leadership for small-business leaders.
in our work and within our lives.” West can be reached
at 715-559-2195 or
Robin S. Sharma, [email protected].
author, speaker and leadership expert
ABy Jeff West peer groups we talk a lot about whether someone is working on their
s the leader of your business or organization, do you ever business or working in it. As author Steve Chandler says, “Victimization
catch yourself thinking, “This place would fall apart without is surrendering choice to circumstance.”
me.”? If so, do you ever think about the ramifications of
that statement? Do you feel beat up by your customers When challenged on this I often hear, “I know I should be doing a lot of
and competition? Do you often feel disappointed in your things different, but I just can’t find the time.” Think of it this way: can’t
employees? If any of these resonate I’d like you to consider that you’ve find the time = can’t find the will. Time management requires courage and
made yourself a victim of, instead of being the leader of, your business. boldness. It means prioritizing the things you should be working on and
Signs that you’ve become a victim include being overwhelmed by your refusing to be distracted by the things you shouldn’t be.
to-do list and constantly fighting fires. If you feel like you never have
enough time to get everything done and are always being pushed and If you believe you’re not spending enough time working on your
pulled by circumstances and other people’s needs, welcome to the victims business, here are some things to consider to free up the time to do it:
club!
I know, this actually sounds quite demeaning, doesn’t it? I mean, ● Delegate more. We often feel delegating means we’re no longer in
I’ve got a business to run here and this guy writes an article that tells charge and we’ll lose control. Baloney. Delegating the tasks they shouldn’t
me I’ve made myself a victim. It’s OK; not the first time I’ve heard that. be working on is one of the things real leaders have perfected.
But if somewhere deep inside that little voice is saying, “We might have
accidentally joined this club,” read on for some ideas on what’s actually ● Make a daily task list for yourself of the things (no more than three
going on. per day) you should be working on. Check each one to make sure it fits
Leadership means taking responsibility for your business results. All the “working on my business” criteria. Then protect your time vigilantly
of them. The victim is constantly blaming circumstances beyond his or so outside distractions don’t drag you back ‘in’ your business.
her control for the business’s problems. The competition is brutal or the
poor economy is killing us or I can’t find the funding I need are just a few ● Hire capable people. If you’re going to free yourself to spend time
examples of victimhood. on the things you need to, you’ll need good people to delegate to. I know
The interesting thing is that being a leader or being a victim is a choice! the labor market is tight right now and finding the right person is tough.
Victims live from the outside in, constantly reacting to whatever fires pop How’s that for one of the things you should be spending time “working
up. They let the day-to-day world decide their agendas and how they use on” for your business? Figure out ways to attract the kind of employees
their time. It’s a purely reactionary way of living with the primary focus you want. Be creative. It will be time well spent as you’ll be able to give
being on survival. The leader, however, lives from the inside out. Their them more and more responsibility.
day is spent working on the big goals of their business or organization,
never losing sight of their dreams and why they’re in business to begin ● Hold others accountable. Once you’ve delegated tasks to others,
with. don’t let them pile the tasks back on your desk. Mentoring them to make
So how do you go about leaving the victim club and becoming a solid decisions is another great example of working on your business.
leader? It’s all about how you manage your time. Time is the one constant. Constantly deciding for them drags you back into your business.
Both the successful business owner and the struggling one are given the
same amount. How we use it is up to us and critically important to the You have a choice. If you let the outside world control you and
success of our business. Following this through, using time wisely comes your schedule, don’t be surprised when you get home at night feeling
down to what we give the biggest priority to during our days. exhausted and fatigued. You feel like you worked really hard all day but
The victim doesn’t prioritize. Victims are constantly hopping from one don’t feel like you accomplished much.
thing to the next with little thought given to how important the task is to
the big-picture success of the business. In our TEC and Business Partner Or you can spend your time on high-return activities following your
passions and dreams. Once you become the leader of your business or
organization rather than the victim of it, you create something special.
You’re the person who created it! It wasn’t due to anything external,
or luck. You’ll be energized and so will the people around you. Your
customers, employees, family and friends will notice. People want to be
around and help people who are enthusiastic.

Being a victim or being a leader is simply a matter of choice.

10 | ♦ June 15, 2015

?did you know
9The Leader-Telegram has glossy magazines...

SPRING 2015 knockOpportunities Business Leader publishes 4 times a year - 100% local
See page 4
business news.
SPONSORS
Her Impressions publishes 3 times a year - themed women’s
HimperesrsionsPEUPaRSeurSPPRmCiloATtIsaitDrS#ae2T,g0De3WI
magazine: Health, Family, Activities & Bridal.
LBigLhUteEnSingUP THE WINTER When did
“Feminism”plLfuOoonsrolkLinionevge Home Front publishes 3 times a year - home-improvement
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Tips magazine featuring articles on home-related hobbies
wFR&ecmipoeres Leader-TelegraWmi nMtae gr a2z0in1e5 like decorating & gardening.
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June 15, 2015 ♦ | 11

Book Review

Organizational
approach

Author’s strategy for prioritizing Title: “Listful
not necessarily for everyone Thinking: Using
Lists to Be More
By Terri Schlichenmeyer Productive,
Successful and Less
IThe Bookworm Stressed.”
t’s no wonder that sometimes you’re cross. Author: Paula Rizzo.
Your schedule is overloaded and so is Pages: 228.
your memory: phone numbers, grocery Publisher: Viva
needs, calls to return, client wants, prospects Editions (c.2015).
to call on, arguments to make. Blink, and
there’s a new restaurant to try. Blink, and it’s visit someday can be more informal. Remember that
time for that meeting. How can you possibly lists and checklists are very different things.
be expected to remember everything?
Write this down: “Listful Thinking” by Paula Next, decide where you’ll put your list, so it best
Rizzo. serves its purpose. For a “fun list,” a pocket-sized
Every day, sometimes before you even get out of journal may be perfect. Rizzo says she keeps a
bed, your mind races, thinking about the tasks you spiral-bound notebook for ideas at work. You can go
need to finish. When you forget something or you digital or plaster the walls with sticky-notes.
have to squeeze more into your day, that can be
stressful. Whatever works for you – and “you know
Rizzo says that learning yourself better than anyone can” – the first step is to
the art of listmaking “just write it down.”
can help. By creating a
list system that works Get the task out of your head and onto paper, then
for you, tasks can be organize and prioritize. Be realistic, and rewrite the
prioritized and ideas list if you feel overwhelmed or hate messiness.
remembered, you’ll
more easily focus As issues occur, you can add them to your list;
on immediacies and conversely, you’ll feel good when you eliminate
you’ll feel a sense of tasks and see your progress. Finally, before you leave
accomplishment when work for the day, write a new list for tomorrow, so
you check off what you won’t stress about forgetting things. Refresh it
The Bookworm is Terri you’ve finished. first thing in the morning. Your day will thank you.
Schlichenmeyer. Terri has
been reading since she To get started, know As someone whose life is run by scraps of paper, I
was 3 years old and never what kind of list you was eager to see what was inside “Listful Thinking.”
goes anywhere without a need. What you’ll add to I was pleased ... and I was puzzled.
book. She lives on a hill in a packing list, say, will be
Wisconsin with two dogs different than what you’ll Rizzo has “glazomania” (a passion for listmaking)
and 12,000 books. want to remember for and it shows in this enthusiastic book filled with
work. Pros-and-cons lists ideas and suggestions. What you’ll find here is easy
are perfect for decision- to understand, approachable and methodical.
making, while lists of
restaurants you want to On the other hand, there are some odd points
made here – things that probably won’t fly at work:
wasted time on repeated list re-writes, making
lists of frivolous things to do on break, and not
answering phone calls without prior appointment
are just a few of the head-scratchers I found. I could
make a list ...

Still, the hopelessly overwhelmed will surely find
help inside “Listful Thinking,” and it could get new
employees up to speed quicker. If you’re on top
of your game or already know how to make lists,
though, just cross this one off.

12 | ♦ June 15, 2015

Guest Column

Retirement,
succession plans
Andrew Cooper is a
Both are “must haves” for business owners financial adviser with
Edward Jones in Eau Claire.
He can be reached at
715-833-3986 or andy.
[email protected].

By Andrew Cooper may go awry if the unexpected occurs.
All these business succession options can be complex, so before
IEdward Jones
f you own a business, you may well follow a “do-it-now” choosing any of them you will need to consult with your legal and
philosophy — which is, of course, necessary to keep things financial advisers.
running smoothly. Still, you also need to think about
tomorrow — which means you’ll want to take action on Whether it’s selecting a retirement plan or a succession strategy,
your own retirement and business succession plans. you’ll want to take your time and make the choices that are
Fortunately, you’ve got some attractive options in these appropriate for your individual situation.
areas. For example, you could choose a retirement plan
that offers at least two key advantages: potential tax-deferred You work extremely hard to run your business — so do
earnings and a wide array of investment options. Plus, some whatever it takes to help maximize your benefits from it.
retirement plans allow you to make tax-deductible contributions.
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Many succession planning techniques are available, including
an outright sale to a third party, a sale to your employees or Third generation, family-owned
management (at once or over time) or the transfer of your business business for 65 years.
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Many succession plans include a buy-sell agreement. Upon
your death, such an agreement could allow a business partner or
a key employee to buy the business from your surviving spouse
or whoever inherits your business interests. To provide the funds
needed for the partner or employee (or even one of your children)
to purchase the business, an insurance policy could be purchased.

Your estate plan — including your will and any living trust —
should address what happens with the business, in case you still
own part or all of it at your death. The best-laid succession plans

June 15, 2015 ♦ | 13

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Community supporter

Longtime restaurateur makes habit of giving back

ABy Pamela Powers, Menomonie News BureauMENOMONIE

s a group of school children takes a tour of a Culver’s restaurant recently,
owner Gary Theelke jokes about how one time a young boy eating with his
mother asked if Theelke was the mayor of Culver’s.

“Now I tell people I am the mayor of Culver’s,” Theelke said, laughing.
Much like a mayor, Theelke, who is known in Menomonie as Gary T, is all
about the community and giving back to the residents who support his fran-

chise business.

Theelke, who has owned Culver’s in Menomonie for 16 years, tries to give donations to school

groups and other organizations, whether it be a day care seeking cups and caps for playtime or

school groups benefiting from a percentage of an evening’s sales. He has helped raise money for

the fire department, the local food shelf, book programs for children and the list goes on and on.

“It is in my heart,” Theelke said of helping the community whenever possible. “Without the

community supporting me I wouldn’t have the opportunity to support the community. One of

my employees asked me: ‘Don’t you know how to say no?’ I said ‘No I don’t.’”

Loren Gifford of Menomonie, who has known Theelke since the 1980s, said Theelke has a great

personality that draws people into his business.

“He is loved by most everybody in the community,” The most popular food items are the butter burger

Gifford said. and the custard, Theelke noted.

Theelke credits the employees at Culver’s for his “People come here young and old for comfort food,”

success as well. Six of the employees have been with he said. Each year after the Menomonie High School

him at Culver’s since it opened. One of them is Mary homecoming parade, the king and queen come for a

O’Meara of Menomonie, a prep cook. free meal at Culver’s.

“I think he is absolutely wonderful,” she said of “It’s kind of moving that what you’ve done or do is

Theelke. “He is so fair. He really cares for his employ- remembered and repeated,” Theelke said.

ees. If it weren’t for Gary and the other employees Theelke has earned many rewards for his com-

here I would be retired.” munity support. In 2012, he was named the Greater

Theelke, 64, whose wife is Terry Linzmeier, started Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce’s Distin-

his first job at the age of 10 with a weekend paper guished Citizen of the Year for his model dedication

route for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in Waseca, Minn. to the community. In 2004, Culver’s was awarded the

He used his money to buy school clothes be- chamber’s Small Business of the Year award.

cause his family had limited income. UW-Stout has recognized Theelke for

His mother raised him and his his community support as well,

two siblings alone, Theelke Odds & Ends and he has received the cham-
said. ber’s Business Friend to

At age 14 he started ● G ary Theelke got the nickname Gary T, which he used for his first Education award. He also

working at Madsen’s restaurant, from Bill Grambo of Menomonie. is a Lion’s Club member
Super Valu in Mankato, ● T heelke’s nickname in high school was “Tilks.” He said if he ever opened and serves as a board
Minn., bagging rotten member for the chamber
potatoes. another restaurant he would use the name “Bumpa T’s,” which is what his and Boys and Girls Club
grandchildren call him.
● T heelke believes in saving his change. He bought his first bike and his first

“I guess I never ex- set of golf clubs with spare change. of Menomonie.
pected anybody to give me ● “ A quart jar of change is about $100,” he said, noting he has “He is a fantastic com-
anything,” he said. “I knew I munity member,” said cham-
saved change every day since he was young. “That way I
know I have some money. I break a dollar bill

had to go earn it.” whenever I can.” ber CEO Michelle Dingwall.

In 1984 he moved to Menomonie “He supports everything. I think

to become the manager at Don’s Su- his generosity has spurred similar busi-

per Valu. He held that position until 1990 when he nesses to do the same thing.”

opened a 1950s-style restaurant – Gary T’s in Meno- The staff at Culver’s in Menomonie is also friendly

monie. Theelke returned to Don’s Super Valu from and makes customers feel like a part of the commu-

1994 to 1998 after Gary T’s closed. nity.

He started Culver’s in 1999 after Don’s Super Valu “Gary sets the bar for that,” she said. “He is a great

was sold to Leever’s Foods, which brought in its own person to have in the community.”

management. Leever’s Foods has since closed and the Theelke expects to continue working at Culver’s as

building has been razed in downtown Menomonie. long as possible. In his free time he enjoys golfing and

Part of the site is for a CVS/pharmacy. A mixed hous- fishing, and taking a Canadian trip each year to do the

ing unit is being built on the other part. latter. He also loves to travel, visiting he and his wife’s

Theelke chose the Culver’s franchise because the seven children in five different states.

company’s philosophy of good food, good service, Powers can be reached at 715-556-9018 or pamela.

cleanliness and caring for employees fit his own beliefs. [email protected].

northwesternbank.com

Member Your Business Banking Resource
FDIC
Eau Claire 715-839-8642 • Chippewa Falls 715-723-4461
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June 15, 2015 ♦ | 15

FEATURE STORY Advanced Laser Machining lauded for expanding reach

By Chris Vetter, Chippewa Falls News Bureau we’re not done.”
The company now employs 110 workers, he
ACHIPPEWA FALLS
dvanced Laser Machining has added 15 added.
new jobs this year, and the company is Charlie Walker, CCEDC executive director,
expecting to see its total sales grow from
$17.5 million in 2014 to $22 million. praised the company.
The Chippewa County Economic Development “Advanced Laser was two gentlemen coming
Corp. honored Advanced Laser Machining on
May 29, naming the firm the 2015 “Business of the together with a dream,” Walker said. “They had
Year.” the largest expansion project of any quadrant in
Chippewa County. They are a major exporter.
John Walton, company president, was thrilled We’re glad to see manufacturing continue to
with the award. grow.”

“We couldn’t be more honored,” Walton said. The company provides precision metal-
“We hope to make Chippewa proud.” fabricating services, including punching, forming,
welding and assembly with the use of lasers.
The company – located alongside Highway 178 Customers range from construction firms to
and Chapman Road on the east side of Chippewa aviation, defense and communication companies.
Falls – broke ground on a 34,000-square-foot
addition last August. “We’re more into contract manufacturing and
point-of-use products – when we’re done, they are
“We moved into the manufacturing (wing) in ready to use,” Walton said.
February and the offices in April,” Walton said.
“We’ve added 15 jobs since the expansion, and

Staff photo by Chris Vetter
John Walton, president of Advanced Laser Machining in Chippewa Falls, stands in front of the new wing at the company’s plant on
Cashman Drive in Chippewa Falls. ALM was named Business of the Year by the Chippewa County Economic Development Corp.

DIRECT RY
REALTORS

ASPHALT

Advanced Laser Machining offers manual and INC. 4410 Golf Terrace, Eau Claire, WI
robotic welding services. It also provides
prototyping, custom tooling and other services. CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI America’s Best Real
Visit laser27.com for more information about the Estate Agents 2014
company. Sonny Johnston
715-456-6759 Stated by: Real Trends.com–July 2014
ALM has worked with local Named in the top 250 individuals
companies such as Silicon Graphics www.seal-ritesealcoatinginc.com
International and Cray, as well as on by Transactions sides by REAL Trends
a military deal with Oshkosh Corp. [email protected] and the Wall Street Journal

The $4 million expansion project • Driveways Ž—“š‘ Žœ—Ž £ ’Š¤ ŽŠ— £¤Š¤Ž £ —— ‹œ¦¤
included purchasing new equipment • Parking Lots
that comprises about 50 percent of • Crack Sealing Mary F. Rufledt
the company’s overall costs, Walton • Infrared Patching 715-828-9347
said. • Line Striping
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Advanced Laser Machining was • Snow Plowing SRES, ABR, CRS, RRS, GRI, REALTOR ®
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“We hired a professional business BOOKKEEPING 777495_6-15-15
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Your bookkeeping partner
Gov. Scott Walker attended the
groundbreaking last August, where • Business startup questions answered
he praised ALM’s growth, saying • Quickbooks setup and training
the firm is an example of how to add • Bookkeeping services
good-paying jobs in the state. • Payroll processing
and reporting Get the answers TRADE SHOW DISPLAYS
“You do it by empowering S imple and the
companies to invest,” Walker said at O ffice help you need “Your customers aren’t flat, boring cutouts
the groundbreaking. “This is the kind & your displays shouldn’t be either.”
of business that reflects the positive S olutions
job growth.”
Evlyn Carlile • 715-379-0116
The Wisconsin Economic eauclairebookkeeping.com
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Vetter can be reached at 715-723-0303 Eau Claire • WI • 54701
or at [email protected].
(715) 834-7697

Open M•T•TH•F

777906 6-15-15

June 15, 2015 ♦ | 17

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Hyping health

LSU grad making mark in workplace wellness

DBy Courtney Kueppers, Leader-Telegram staff Celestee Roufs coordinates
espite being only 29, Celestee Roufs has a full resumé and has headed a depart- workplace wellness
ment at Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire since October. programs for Group Health
Prior to becoming the health promotion manager at Group Health Cooperative, Cooperative of Eau Claire.
the Louisiana State University graduate worked as a personal trainer at a weight The nonprofit health plan
loss center and was a cross-fit gym manager in the southeast region of the country. serves more than 70,000
Roufs and her husband “took the northern plunge” last summer when he accepted a job at 3M members in western and
in Menomonie. The couple and their German Shepherd enjoy being active in their new commu- central Wisconsin,
nity, Roufs said. according to its website.

In college Roufs was an NCAA Division I volleyball player, so her love for physical fitness and
a healthy lifestyle comes naturally, she said. However, she and her staff try and share their love
for a balanced life with the employees of many Eau Claire companies through Group Health
Cooperative of Eau Claire’s worksite wellness program.

The worksite wellness programs are customizable to fit each company’s needs, Roufs said. But
most start with employees filling out a health risk assessment form, followed by a one-on-one
meeting with one of Group Health’s six health coaches. From there the focus is all about what the
employee is ready to change in his or her life to become healthier, Roufs said, noting that varies
greatly from person to person.

“I do a lot of organization between major employers,” Roufs said involve as many drastic changes as people often think.
of her job. “Although we are dealing with their employees, work- For starters, Roufs recommends swapping out coffee and
site wellness is not the focus of their employment; that’s my job.
My job is to make sure that (worksite wellness) is almost as hands soda for water. She suggests people drink 64 ounces of water
off as possible.” a day. She also suggests people snack on things such as fruits
and vegetables and find little ways to increase their physical
A happy customer activity, noting just 30 minutes of walking a day will suffice.

Although Roufs has been in her current position for less Joanna Schneider, a health coach in Roufs’ depart-
than a year, the department has worked with the city of Eau ment, said Roufs takes wellness seriously and
Claire on worksite wellness for more than seven years. makes sure people are getting up
and moving throughout the day,
Dale Peters, the director of human resources for the city, noting that kind of motivation is
said worksite wellness has helped save heaps of money. positive for everyone.

In 2007, the city of Eau Claire was facing a 57 percent in- Kueppers can be reached at 715-833-
crease on their wellness premium. At that time they partnered 9203, 800-236-7077 or courtney.
with Group Health to attack the cost of their claims. In the last [email protected].
seven years they have seen great success, Peters said.

“The program is successful because of our employees,” he
said. “Our employees understand the value and cost of health
insurance and are stepping up to the plate to help control the
cost.”

Roufs said success stories like this are the high-
light of her job. However, it’s not just the health
of other companies’ employees Roufs is con-
cerned about. Within Group Health Coopera-
tive Roufs has suggested some changes such
as having a fruit basket in the office, which has
cut down the companies’ vending machine purchases,
she said.

Roufs applauded Group Health for valuing wellness. Com-
pany employees are encouraged to take two wellness breaks
during their workday. It’s common to see employees out on
walks, Roufs said.

“I love Group Health Cooperative. The culture here is
fantastic,” she said. “The push for wellness here isn’t even a
push; it just happens.”

Getting started
Roufs and the other health coaches acknowledge that get-
ting started on the road to being healthier can be very daunt-
ing for a lot of people. However, she said it doesn’t need to

Coaches’ Corner features our join the conversation 777726 6-15-15
own Health Promotion Coaches.
Posts and topics range from 777763_6-15-15 | 19
exercise and fitness to healthy
eating, stress management and June 15, 2015 ♦
much more.

10 ADVERTISEreasons why you should
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2012 Community Newspaper Readership Survey 777958 6-15-15
Center for Advanced Social Research | Reynolds Journalism Institute | The Missouri School of Journalism
20 |
♦ June 15, 2015

- Guest Article -

The Key Factor
in Business
Succession
Success?
Planning.

By Regina Butler– Ruder Ware, LLSC

The statistics are familiar . . . and daunting. According to not in their particulars, but in clearly establishing and
the Family Business Institute, only about 30 percent of family communicating expectations from one generation to
businesses survive beyond the founder’s generation, 12 percent the next.
make it to a third, and only 3 percent of all family businesses Communication and transparency are the other critical
operate into the fourth generation or beyond.1 Researchers have aspects of a succession plan. Yet, in a 2007 survey of
found that the key factor underlying this statistic is a lack of family businesses, one-in-three respondents reported
planning.2 having no knowledge of the senior generation’s
transfer plans.9 Early communication regarding
In a 2014 survey of family businesses in the U.S. considered plan in writing, the better he or she can succession allows the family time to resolve potential
by PricewaterhouseCoopers, 74 percent of family prepare for an orderly transfer of the business. A tensions before the actual transition takes place. As
businesses plan to keep the business in the family, well-considered plan is one that lays the groundwork one commentator noted,“[t]he greatest threat to the
but fewer than a third reported having a“robust and for a governance structure that will guide the family long-term survival and success of any family business
documented succession plan for senior roles.”3 There is business through the inevitable ups and downs has less to do with what’s going on outside with
no apparent lack of awareness surrounding this issue. of transition. It is this structure that will reduce customers, competitors and technology, than it does
Rather it’s that the planning process and the numerous uncertainty and maximize the business’s value over the with what’s going on inside with relationships among
issues it raises – issues related to fairness and the long-term.6 the key players, especially among family members.”10
commitment and ability of likely successors – are Peter Gordon, a fifth-generation member of the family Communication among family members regarding
among the most difficult issues for business owners that owns Glenfiddich whisky, Hendrick’s gin and other the crucial issues of succession is of key importance in
to face. Many families take a“hear no evil, see no evil” spirits, recently authored a book highlighting some of maintaining and strengthening those relationships.
approach.4 the most well-known and successful family businesses Succession planning is critical to the future of any
As one individual noted,“It would give me a lot of worldwide.7 The families interviewed, which included business – but particularly the family business. Rather
satisfaction to be able to see the next generation the owners of Lavazza and McIlhenny Tabasco, than avoiding the topic of succession planning, owners
take over, but it’s hard to let go. I’m not sure the next overwhelmingly reported the importance of sound should view it as an opportunity for family members to
generation has the dedication to put in the hours it corporate governance.8 By establishing key aspects build a shared vision for the future of the company.
takes. It’s the most difficult thing to do, trying to figure of a business’s governance structure, succession
out if the next generation is capable of running the planning offers an opportunity for families to address Attorney Regina Butler,
business.”5 Senior generation family business members potential issues and conflict areas before they create Ruder Ware, L.L.S.C.
also struggle to determine how to balance the long- problems that threaten the longevity of the business.
term success of the family business with a desire to One example of this might be a policy outlining the
fairly divide up their assets among members of the requirements (e.g. education, outside experience)
next generation. for younger family members who wish to join the
Avoiding the issue won’t make it go away, however, family business. The importance of such policies lies
and the earlier a business owner puts a well-

1. Family Business Institute, Inc.,“Succession Planning,”(available at: http://www.familybusinessinstitute.com/ index.php/Succession-Planning/).; 2. Id.; 3. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,“Professionalize to optimize:
US family firms are no longer winging it,”US Family Business Survey (2015) (available at: http://www.pwc.com/us/en/cfodirect/industries/private-company/2015-family-business-survey.jhtml).; 4. Id. at 31.; 5. Id.
(quoting Roger Williams, president of a third-generation sausage company that bears his family name).; 6. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,“Playing their hand: US family businesses make their bid for the future,”US
Family Business Survey (2012) (available at: http://www.pwc.com/us/en/private-company-services/publications/2012-family-business-survey.jhtml).; 7. Gordon, Peter. Family Spirit: Stories and Insights From Leading
Family-Owned Enterprises (Chronicle Books, 2015).; 8. Sullivan, Paul,“Families Find the Principles That Keep the Business Going,”New York Times, May 15, 2015.; 9. Family Business Institute, Inc.,“Family Business in
Transition: Data and Analysis”at 2 (2007) (available at: http://www.familybusinessinstitute.com/index.php/family-business-resources/).; 10. Hoover, Dr. Edwin, Getting Along in Family Business: The Relationship
Intelligence Handbook.
777671 6-15-15

June 15, 2015 ♦ | 21

briefcase

Foreclosures down in Chippewa Valley current brewery and taproom at 320 Putnam St. in Banbury Place. Brewery
Foreclosure filings declined in the first four months of the year for Eau owners Theresa and Leos Frank said they planned to remodel the building
Claire, Chippewa and Dunn counties compared with the same period of into a German Czech beer hall on the main level with the brewery in the
2014, according to California-based home data provider RealtyTrac. basement. The couple said they plan to open the new taproom in fall at the
new location and then work on opening a restaurant there too.
The three counties combined had 180 properties receive filings, which
include default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions. That Visitor spending up in Wisconsin
was 11.8 percent fewer than in the first four months of last year. MADISON — For the first time in four years, every Wisconsin county had
a rise in visitor spending in 2014, the state’s Department of Tourism said.
Arts center funds back in budget
A planned $40 million downtown Eau Claire arts center got approval in Travelers contributed $18.5 billion to Wisconsin’s economy last year, up
late May for a $15 million state grant from the state government’s budget- 5.5 percent from the year before, according to a state tourism report. Visitor
writing committee and was further bolstered by a $1 million pledge from growth topped 102 million in 2014, an increase of 7 million since 2010.
OakLeaf Medical Network-affiliated physicians.
Jackson County saw the state’s largest percentage increase in visitor
The Joint Finance Committee’s 12-4 vote to include the grant for the spending at 11.8 percent. That number jumped from $32.2 million in 2013
Confluence Project in the 2015-17 state budget came three weeks after to $36.1 million last year. Chris Hardie, executive director of the Black
the same group had voted against awarding the arts center the money River Area Chamber of Commerce, attributed the increase to additional
through general purpose revenue. The state grant still faced budget construction and industrial projects for nearby fracking sand mines and
deliberations in the full state Legislature in June. natural gas pipelines.

Chamber award-winners announced Dane, Milwaukee, Sauk, Waukesha and Brown counties saw the highest
MEP Associates and Greener Grass Systems earned 2015 Small Business direct visitor spending.
of the Year awards from the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce.
Visitors last year contributed $346.2 million to Eau Claire County’s
Other award-winners were: JAMF Software, Community Development; economy, an 8.2 percent increase compared with 2013. Tourism supported
Melissa Wilson, Chippewa Valley Technical College, Outstanding Young 4,055 jobs in the county, which saw direct visitor spending rise 9.8 percent
Professional; Mike Rindo, UW-Eau Claire, Public Employee of the to $214.8 million.
Year; Mary Glassbrenner, Group Health Cooperative, Top Membership
Salesperson; Sara Antonson, Boys & Girls Club of the Chippewa Valley, In Chippewa County, the total was $127 million, 2.2 percent more than
Woman of Achievement; Marianne Klinkhammer, Gator Garb Promotions, in 2013. There were 1,313 jobs attributed to the industry last year, and
and Glassbrenner, Ambassador of the Year; and Nick White, Career direct spending increased 0.1 percent to $77.6 million.
Development Center, Chamber Volunteer of the Year.
Dunn County generated $79.1 million in tourism revenue in 2014, 7.5
New inductees in the chamber’s Business Hall of Fame were: Jack percent more than in the previous year. The industry was credited with
Bartingale, Bartingale Mechanical; Don Litchfield, Litchfield Motors; Dick 864 jobs, while direct visitor spending rose 8.8 percent to $46.4 million.
Cable, Northwestern Mutual Life/Community Foundation founder; the
Orrin H. Ingram family, Empire Lumber Co. (late 1880s); and the Wood Xcel Energy seeking rate hikes
family, Wood Motor Co. & Aviation. Infrastructure needs and renewable investments could fuel a rise in
consumers’ energy bills next year.
Lazy Monk relocation clears hurdle
The city of Eau Claire voted to sell riverfront land that previously Xcel Energy filed a rate request with the Public Service Commission of
was the site for a home furnishings showroom at 97 W. Madison St. for Wisconsin looking to raise electrical rates 3.9 percent and natural gas rates
$180,000 to Lazy Monk Brewing so the brewery and taproom could grow 5 percent. The former is roughly in line with past requests, while the latter
and add a restaurant. is significantly higher than in recent years.

The former showroom is about triple the floor space of Lazy Monk’s An audit will be conducted in the summer, followed by hearings in
October. A final decision by the PSC is expected in December. The new
:KHUH <RX *HW<RXU 777964 6-12-15 rates would be implemented Jan. 1.

<28/DE7HVWV 'RQH ,V 8S 7R ■ For the llth straight year, Xcel Energy was named the country’s top
utility wind energy provider by the American Wind Energy Association,
allLabTests/// fast a national trade group. In 2014, wind energy made up about 16 percent of
“BECAUSE YOU NEED TO KNOW” ® the company’s energy supply. Currently, Xcel Energy has 5,794 megawatts
Add lab testing to your company’s wellness program of wind power in its portfolio, enough to meet the energy needs of nearly
2.9 million homes. According to a new AWEA report, Xcel Energy is the
• CLIA certified lab • Walk-ins are welcome, no appointment necessary first U.S. utility to exceed 5,000 megawatts of wind. Only nine countries in
• No doctor’s visit required • Prices up to 70% lower than you’ll find elsewhere the world, in addition to Texas, Iowa and California, have more than 5,000
• We offer over 10,000 lab tests megawatts of wind capacity.

$OO/DE7HVWV)DVW FRP HDXFODLUH We can do all blood & Unemployment rates decline in April
0DOO 'ULYH 6XLWH (DX &ODLUH urine lab tests prescribed Jobless rates in April declined in all 72 counties in the state compared
/$%6 HDXFODLUH#DOOODEWHVWVIDVW FRP by your doctor with both the previous month and year-ago period, according to
preliminary, seasonally unadjusted data from the Wisconsin Department
of Workforce Development.

County rates last month ranged from 2.9 percent in Dane to 11.3 percent
in Menominee. The Eau Claire metro area, which consists of Eau Claire
and Chippewa counties, saw its rate improve to 3.9 percent from 5 percent
in March and 5.1 percent in April of last year.

22 | ♦ June 15, 2015

briefcase

The rate in the city of Eau Claire was 3.5 percent in April, down from 4.2 adjusted for nonrecurring gains, came to 24 cents per share. The results
percent the previous month and 4.5 percent a year ago. Among the state’s surpassed Wall Street expectations. The temperature-sensitive truckload
32 largest municipalities, Fitchburg had the lowest rate (2.9 percent) and carrier posted revenue of $161.3 million, a 1.2 percent increase, in its latest
Racine the highest (6.9 percent). three-month period.

Ashley Furniture founder given degree ■ HUTCHINSON, Minn. — Hutchinson Technology Inc., which has
HIGH POINT, N.C. — High Point University recognized the lifetime a plant in Eau Claire, reported a net loss
achievements of Ron Wanek, founder of Arcadia-based Ashley Furniture of $9.7 million, or 29 cents per share, on
Industries, and his contributions to business and philanthropy with an net sales of $62.4 million for its fiscal
honorary doctorate at the university’s commencement ceremony. second quarter that ended March 29.
Wanek started manufacturing furniture with 35 HTI lost $8.7 million, or 31 cents per
employees in 1970. Ashley is now among the world’s share, in the year-ago period on sales
largest furniture manufacturers and retailers. of $60.7 million. Compared with its
first quarter, shipments of suspension
At HPU, Wanek is a philanthropic investor and a assembly for disk drives declined 17
mentor to students. The R.G. Wanek Center at HPU percent to $101.1 million. At latest count,
is named for him and his wife, Joyce. In 2012, Ashley the company had 495 employees in Eau
opened a manufacturing and distribution facility in Claire.
Advance, N.C., that has more than 900 employees. Wanek
Coborn’s expands into
Wanek’s son, Todd, is the company’s president and western Wisconsin
CEO.
St. Cloud, Minn.-based Coborn’s
Income up for Wisconsin credit unions Inc. acquired Marketplace Foods
Eau Claire-based RCU saw its income rise to $5.3 million in the first and its four grocery/liquor stores
quarter that ended March 31, according to the National Credit Union in western Wisconsin.
Administration.
The four Marketplace Foods
The result was 5.4 percent higher than in the first quarter of last year. stores are in Menomonie,
RCU and Educators of Racine are the state’s fifth-largest credit unions, Hayward, Rice Lake and St. Croix
each with $1.6 billion in assets. Falls. The stores will continue to
operate as Marketplace Foods,
Menomonie-based WESTconsin Credit Union’s income rose about 18 with their current leadership
percent to $3.2 million. The credit union has $973 million in assets. and employees, according to a
news release.
Wisconsin’s 156 chartered credit unions saw their combined income rise
21.6 percent. Coborn’s is an employee-
owned grocer with 50 stores
Intel, Cray partnering on project in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Intel announced that the U.S. Department of Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and
Energy’s Argonne Leadership Computing Facility awarded Intel Federal, Illinois that operate under the
a wholly-owned subsidiary, a contract to deliver two next-generation Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods and
supercomputers to Argonne National Laboratory. Save-A-Lot banners.

The contract is part of the DOE’s multimillion dollar initiative to build Interactive state map
state-of-the-art supercomputers that will be five to seven times more developed
powerful than today’s top supercomputers. Intel was selected as the
prime contractor and will work with Seattle-based Cray, which houses MADISON — The Wisconsin
much of its operations in Chippewa Falls, as the system integrator and State Telecommunications
manufacturer of the next-generation high-performance computing Association and Wisconsin
systems for the ALCF. Economic Development Corp.
unveiled a new interactive map
Earnings, revenue increase at Presto at LocatelnWisconsin.com that
Eau Claire-based National Presto Industries reported earnings of $8.1 identifies more than 100 state
million, or $1.17 per share, for its first quarter that ended April 5. business and industrial parks with
gigabit broadband availability.
The results compared with earnings of $4.7 million, or 68 cents per
share, in the year-ago period. Sales rose 16.7 percent to nearly $101 million The Gigabit Business Park
in the latest quarter. mapping project identifies parks that
are capable of providing broadband
Sales rose 23.6 percent in the company’s defense segment and 20.3 service of 1 gigabit per second or
percent in housewares/​small appliances. The absorbent products segment more. The map indicates whether a
had a 4.6 percent decline. business park has l Gbps, lO Gbps or
lOO Gbps. There are currently
In other earnings news: around 130 business and

■ MONDOVI — Marten Transport reported a first-quarter profit of See page 24
$10.2 million. The company said it had net income of 30 cents per share.
A year ago Marten earned $5.3 million, or 16 cents per share. Earnings,

June 15, 2015 ♦ | 23

briefcase

from Page 23 represent local individuals and businesses, while also serving as a Dunn
industrial parks on the map, which will continuously be updated as new County Court Commissioner until retiring in 2006. He currently serves as
sites are identified. The map includes several locations in the Chippewa a Dunn County board supervisor.
Valley.
Bakke Norman has locations in New Richmond and Menomonie.
A gigabit broadband connection is 100 times faster than average ■ Attorneys John Richie and Dana Wachs of the Eau Claire law firm
Internet speeds. Richie, Wickstrom and Wachs were recognized by the State Bar of Wisconsin
for 30 years of service. Richie has lived in Eau Claire since 1985. His wife is
Chippewa Valley Bean Co. recognized a teacher in the Eau Claire school system and he regularly participates in
MENOMONIE — A Menomonie bean company’s international issues that affect public schools and universities. Wachs is a lifelong resident
booming business has garnered a state accolade. of Eau Claire. He is a member of the state Assembly as well and his wife,
Beverly Wickstrom, also is a lawyer and partner in the firm.
Chippewa Valley Bean Co. exports nearly 60 percent of its total sales of The firm also announced it has opened a new office at 393 Red Cedar
dark red kidney beans to 18 countries, almost doubling that figure from St., Menomonie. The attorneys specialize in personal injury, workers
just two years ago. The family-owned and operated company specializes compensation and Social Security cases. The firm’s main office in Eau Claire
in the growing, processing and marketing of kidney beans. The company is at 101 Putnam St.
is the largest processor and exporter of dark red kidney beans in the U.S.
In other news
Chippewa Valley Bean Co. recently was recognized by Gov. Scott ■ SLINGER — A Minnesota home care company announced plans to
Walker, receiving one of three 2015 Governor’s Export Achievement hire hundreds of employees who lost their jobs when a Wisconsin long-
Awards. The other two were given to Gamber-Johnson of Stevens Point, term care nonprofit ceased operations at 11 locations. International Quality
which makes docking stations and mounts for such objects as law Homecare said it would hire at least 500 GeminiCares workers. It also said
enforcement squad cars, and Prevention Genetics of Marshfield, which it would expand into Wisconsin to maintain home care and other services
specializes in genetics sequencing and testing. with GeminiCares workers’ clients. More than 700 employees were out
of work when GeminiCares closed sites in Slinger, Adams, Hayward,
Attorneys celebrated for service Eau Claire, La Crosse, Marinette, Neillsville, Reedsburg, Stevens Point,
The State Bar of Wisconsin recently recognized Gary Bakke and Robert Whitehall and West Bend on May 31.
Walter of Bakke Norman Law Offices for 50 years of service to their clients
and communities. ■ AUGUSTA – Unity Bank announced the acquisition of branches in
Fairchild and Neillsville from Nicolet National Bank of Green Bay. Unity
Bakke has served as State Bar president and continues in active practice, will assume about $38 million in deposits and $13 million in loans. Terms
representing clients in business and family law matters. Walter ran his
own law practice before joining Bakke Norman in 1990. He continued to

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24 | ♦ June 15, 2015

briefcase

of the sale were not disclosed. The deal is expected to close in the third engineering programs. The university also offers an engineering
quarter of this year. Unity Bank currently has locations in Augusta and technology program.
Fall Creek.
■ FALL CREEK — The village was awarded a $225,000 Transportation
■ The Women’s Business Conference in April brought around 450 Economic Assistance grant from the Wisconsin Department of
people to The Plaza Hotel & Suites. The event, which featured 104 Transportation to contribute to the design and construction of a new
exhibitors, is put on each year by Western Dairyland Community Action municipal street, Brickyard Street. The project will provide access to and
Agency and Western Dairyland Business Centers. Western Dairyland from a new 45,000-square-foot production and warehouse facility in Fall
provides services in Eau Claire, Chippewa, Dunn, Jackson, Pepin, Creek Business Park East. Greenwood Packaging is finalizing plans to
Trempealeau and Buffalo counties. Visit womensbusinessconference.com commit nearly $12 million in capital investment to complete the expansion
for details about the annual event. project, which will create 45 new jobs averaging $21.88 per hour.

■ CHIPPEWA FALLS — A historic three-story building in downtown ■ CVS/pharmacy opened a new location in Eau Claire at 2200
Chippewa Falls is undergoing major renovations and will reopen in Brackett Ave. The store measures 13,255 square feet. It’s the 49th store
November. Tim Fries, owner of Fries Financial Group, acquired the in Wisconsin for the Woonsocket, R.I.-based chain, which has more than
building at 11 E. Central St. in February. He plans to convert the lower 7,800 locations in the U.S.
two floors into office space for his business, and have the third level
available for commercial use. Each floor is nearly 4,000 square feet in LAKE HALLIE — Dan Marcon is building the Marc-On Shooting
size. Fries’ blueprints show he plans to tear out a portion of the second Indoor Range, Pro Shop & Training Center at 4089 124th St. in an
floor and install a balcony, opening up the space into a two-level, open- industrial area of Lake Hallie. Marcon anticipates the 9,600-square-foot
lobby atrium. building being ready to open to the public in October.

■ Kurz Industrial Solutions, a Fox Valley electrical motor distributor ■ Midwest Select Insurance Group opened a fifth location in
and service company, announced plans to build on Eau Claire’s north Woodbury, Minn. The business, which is an insurance enrollment firm
side to serve its customers in the region. The company expects to that represents health insurance companies, also has offices in Eau
open a new industrial building this fall in the city’s Gateway Business Claire, Mosinee, Milwaukee and Indianapolis. Christopher Dooley is a
Park. Initial plans called or 16,000-square-foot industrial building and partner in the business who hails from Eau Claire and operates the firm’s
2,700-square-foot office space. location there.

■ A new Transportation Safety Administration program was ■ ALTOONA — Citizens Community Federal named Mark
implemented at Chippewa Valley Regional Airport. The TSA Precheck Oldenberg executive vice president. In his expanded role, Oldenberg
program allows air travelers who have registered ahead of time to retain provides leadership for the accounting, compliance, security/
their belts, shoes and leave laptop computers in their bags. The effort vendor management and marketing departments while maintaining
is part of the agency’s revamping of airport security checks. For more responsibilities as the bank’s chief financial officer.
information, or to enroll in the program, visit tsa.gov/tsa-precheck. The
program costs $85, which covers enrollment costs for five years. More ■ Eau Claire Automotive opened a used car lot and service area at
than 140 airports in the U.S. have the program. 2019 S. Hastings Way. Michael Keil owns the dealership, which has its
core operations at 3100 Mall Drive in Eau Claire.
■ Three local professionals founded a new consulting and
employment firm, The HSBS Group. Scot Vaver, a lecturer at UW- ■ WOODVILLE — OEM Fabricators named Abby Klatt of Hudson
Stout, Brian Oenga, a professor at UW-Stout and lawyer, and Heather to the role of human resources director and a member of the firm’s
Rothbauer-Wanish, a business owner and college instructor, are partners. leadership team. Klatt, a UW-Eau Claire graduate, first joined OEM as a
HSBS Group provides small business and international business college intern in May 2010.
consulting, career consulting and student placement services. Visit
thehsbsgroup.com for more information. ■ Bret Tangley of Eau Claire-based Sterling Water was named president
of the Water Quality Association, a national nonprofit based in Lisle,
■ Picanha - The Brazilian Steakhouse, 5020 Keystone Crossing, Ill. Tangley is a certified master water specialist and has held numerous
closed in May but reopened as The Front Porch. Mark Reams, owner positions on the WQA executive committee of the board of governors.
and general manager, said most staff members were retained. Gary
Goldsmith remained head chef and Adam Kazort continues to manage ■ A new Dollar General store is under construction at 2530 Birch St.
the front of the house. in Eau Claire. The grand opening is tentatively planned for late summer,
according to company officials.
■ CHIPPEWA FALLS — Marykay and John Mcllquham announced
the sale of Autumn Harvest Winery and John Mcllquham Orchard to ■ A new restaurant, The Classic Garage, opened at 2111 Third St. The
John’s cousin and his wife. Chad and Jean Mcllquham of Chippewa Falls diner features a 1950s theme.
took over the business before opening day on May 1. Marykay and John
launched Autumn Harvest Winery 10 years ago. The orchard was started ■ Market & Johnson, a general contractor with locations in Eau Claire
in 1924. Marykay will stay on as a wine-making consultant for a year. and La Crosse, recently opened a third location at 651 Hayward Ave. N.
in Oakdale, Minn. The new location serves clients in the St. Croix Valley
■ CHIPPEWA FALLS — Owner Rob Brown remodeled the Wissota and eastern Minnesota.
View restaurant and tavern. The project, which was scheduled to be
finished in May, included doubling the size of the building and adding a ■ The Brewing Projekt, a brewery taproom inside Building 3 of 2000
large rooftop patio. N. Oxford Ave., recently opened. Eric Rykal is the head brewer.

■ MENOMONIE — The UW System Board of Regents voted to ■ A Taco John’s restaurant closed on Water Street after more than 30
allow UW-Stout to offer an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree years of operation. A news release from Northland Management
in mechanical engineering. The program begins this fall, and plans call Services said the site has been sold to John
for the program to enroll 200 students after five years. UW-Stout already Mogensen for a major development
offers 82 percent of the required engineering curriculum through its planned for part of the 200
computer engineering, manufacturing engineering and plastics block of Water
Street.

June 15, 2015 ♦ | 25

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26 | DOWN ACROSS

1. Most in-demand bachelor's degree, according to Forbes. 2. App for storing and sharing presentations.
3. CF chamber treasurer. 5. Menomonie chamber board president.
4. Key state budget group. 7. New slogan of CCFBank
6. Rhode Island-based biz with new presence in Chippewa Valley.
8. Five Star specialty. (Citizens Community Federal).
9. "A __ that makes nothing but money is a poor __." Henry Ford. 12. Park Falls-based fishing equipment provider.
10. Believed to be a leading indicator of a sector, industry or market. 13. Michelle Malkin best-seller.
11. Head of CF-based Wisconsin Farmers Union. 16. Area supercomputer maker's CEO.
14. Banbury Place vinyl dealer. 22. Speech training organization.
15. First O in COO. 23. Bankruptcy for family farmers.
17. Brian Doudna organization Wisconsin __ __ Association. 24. UW-EC commencement speaker.
18. Local downtown art display. 25. Tax collector for Wisconsinites.
19. Lake Wissota Business Park tenant. 26. Spring Valley tourist attraction.
20. Elk Mound provider of inflatables. 27. Menomonie provider of vocational
21. Ladysmith's Indeck Energy product.
rehabilitation services.
♦ June 15, 2015 28. Key new market for HTI.
29. UW-Stout business department chair.
30. They make up Eau Claire MSA.

June, July CALENDAR

Ongoing: MENOMONIE - The second phase of the Leadership July 9: The webinar “Website Basics” will be from noon to 1 p.m. The cost
Academy will be at UW-Stout’s Memorial Student Center on June 23, Aug. is $15. For more information visit successfulbusiness.org, call 715-836-7511 or
25, Sept. 22, Oct. 20 and Nov. 17. The program is 8 a.m. to noon each day email [email protected].
except Aug. 25, when it will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit tinyurl.com/ July 14: The program “Mechanics of Starting a Business” will be from 2
ojfvesr for more information. to 4 p.m. at Western Dairyland Community Action Agency, 418 Wisconsin
■ Vendor applications, which are due July 7, are available for Summer St. The cost is $29 and scholarships are available for income-eligible
Fest and the International Fall Festival in downtown Eau Claire. Visit individuals. For more information or to register, visit successfulbusiness.
tinyurl.com/pdk4sqa for details about the events and vendor information. org, call 715-836-7511 or email [email protected].
June 16: ALTOONA — The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce’s July 15: The webinar “Business Plan Basics” will be from noon to 1
p.m. The cost is $15. For more information visit successfulbusiness.org, call
Business Hall of Fame Luncheon will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Eau 715-836-7511 or email [email protected].
Claire Golf and Country Club, 828 Country Club Lane. The seventh class
of inductees is made up of Jack Bartingale, Dick Cable, Orrin Ingram, July 16: MENOMONIE — The workshop “Retaining Your Winning
Don Litchfield and the Wood family. The cost is $25 for both chamber Team” will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dunn County Job Center,
members and nonmembers. For more information or to register, visit 401 Technology Drive E. The speaker is David Kochendorfer of Achieving
eauclairechamber.org or call 715-834-1204. Results. Visit dunnedc.com for details.
■ Also on June 16, an informational meeting about a trip to Dubai ■ Also on July 16, the program “Microsoft Excel: Basic” will be from 8:30
and Abu Dhabi on April 1-9 of next year will be at 5 p.m. at the Eau a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Room 241 at the Chippewa Valley Technical College
Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, 101 N. Farwell St. The chamber is Business Education Center, 620 W. Clairemont Ave. The cost is $99. For
partnering with Central Holidays to offer the trip. Discounted pricing is more information or to register, visit cvtc.edu/continuing-education.aspx.
available for reservations made before Aug. 30. For more information visit July 20-24: The program “SolidWorks Beginner Training” will be from
eauclairechamber.org or call 715-834-1204. 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day at the Chippewa Valley Technical College
■ Also on June 16, the program “Start a Small Business in 8 Steps” will Manufacturing Education Center, 2322 Alpine Road. The cost is $94. For
be from 6 to 9 p.m. at Western Dairyland Community Action Agency, 418 more information or to register, visit cvtc.edu/continuing-education.aspx.
Wisconsin St. The cost is $29 and scholarships are available for income-eligible July 21: The program “Marketing 360 Workshop: A
individuals. For more information or to register, visit successfulbusiness.org, Comprehensive Examination of YOUR Small Business
call 715-836-7511 or email [email protected]. Marketing Plan” will be from 1 to 4 p.m. at Western
June 17: CHIPPEWA FALLS — “June Dairy Days Dinner” will be from Dairyland Community Action Agency, 418 Wisconsin St.
The cost is $99. For more information or to register, visit
5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds. The event successfulbusiness.org, call 715-836-7511 or email info@
celebrates local farmers. The cost is $6. For more information contact the
Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at 715-723-0331 or info@ successfulbusiness.org.
July 22: The annual “Business Community
chippewachamber.org. Downtown Wellness Walk” will be from noon to 1 p.m.
June 18: MENOMONIE — The workshop “Hiring and Recruiting in Eau Claire. Contact Scott Rogers of the Eau Claire Area
Team Members” will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dunn County Job Rogers

Center, 401 Technology Drive E. The speaker is David Kochendorfer of Chamber of Commerce at 715-858-0616 or [email protected]
for more information.
Achieving Results. Visit dunnedc.com for details. July 28: The Lunch & Learn program “Joint Employment and the
June 20: CHIPPEWA FALLS — The 12th annual Leinie Lodge Family
Reunion will be held. Visit leinie.com or call 715-723-5557 for more Flexible Workforce” will be from noon to 1 p.m. at the Eau Claire Area
Chamber of Commerce, 101 N. Farwell St.
information.
June 22: CHIPPEWA FALLS — The annual Wine & See page 28

Dine will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Main Pavilion in
Irvine Park. The event is a fundraiser for the Community
Foundation of Chippewa County. Call 715-723-8125 or
email [email protected] for more information.
June 23: The webinar “Mission Driven Marketing”
will be from noon to 1 p.m. The cost is $15. For more
information visit successfulbusiness.org, call 715-836-
7511 or email [email protected].
June 25: The program “Adobe Photoshop: Basic”
will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Room 209A at the
Chippewa Valley Technical College Business Education
Center, 620 W. Clairemont Ave. The cost is $99. For more
information or to register, visit cvtc.edu/
continuing-education.aspx.
June 30: The Lunch & Learn program “Word
of Mouth Gone Viral - Marketing Your Business
Online” will be from noon to 1 p.m. at the Eau Claire
Area Chamber of Commerce, 101 N. Farwell St. The
presenter is Ann Pearson, CEO of Impressions Review
Managing. The cost, which includes lunch, is $20
for chamber members and $40 for nonmembers. For
Pearson more information or to register, call 715-834-1204 or visit

eauclairechamber.org.

June 15, 2015 ♦ | 27

CALENDAR July, August, September

from Page 27 successfulbusiness.org or call 715-985-2391, ext. 1211.
The presenter is Thea Jenson, a safety and workers’ compensation Aug. 6: The program “Microsoft Excel: Intermediate” will be from 8:30
a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Room 241 at the Chippewa Valley Technical College
supervisor who covers Wisconsin, Minnesota and Florida franchises for Business Education Center, 620 W. Clairemont Ave. The cost is $99. For
Manpower. The cost, which includes lunch, is $20 for chamber members more information or to register, visit cvtc.edu/continuing-education.
and $40 for nonmembers. For more information or to register, call 715- aspx.
834-1204 or visit eauclairechamber.org. Aug. 6-7: MENOMONIE — The Midwest Craft Brewers Conference
will be held in the Memorial Student Center at UW-Stout. The event
■ Also on July 28, “Recent Trends in Banking Fraud,” a free program will provide information for those in the craft brewing industry. Visit
in the Wegner CPAs’ Nonprofit Roundtable Series, will be from 11 a.m. uwstout.edu/profed/midwestcraftbrewers.cfm for more information.
to 1 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Eau Claire South, 4751 Owen Ayres Court. ■ Also on Aug. 6-7, “The Global Leadership Summit” will be
The presenter is Lisa Woernpel of Monona State Bank. For details contact broadcast at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 123 W. Hamilton Ave. Call 715-
Corinn Ploessl at 608-442-1922 or [email protected]. 835-5073 for more information.
Aug. 10-14: The program “SolidWorks Intermediate Training” will be
■ Also on July 28, the program “Adobe InDesign: Basic” will be from from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day at the Chippewa Valley Technical
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Room 209A at the Chippewa Valley Technical College Manufacturing Education Center, 2322 Alpine Road. The cost
College Business Education Center, 620 W. Clairemont Ave. The cost is $94. For more information or to register, visit cvtc.edu/continuing-
is $99. For more information or to register, visit cvtc.edu/continuing- education.aspx.
education.aspx. Aug. 11: The program “Business Plan Basics” will be from 6 to 9 p.m.
at Western Dairyland Community Action Agency, 418 Wisconsin St. The
July 28 and 30: The program “Business QuickBooks” will be cost is $29 and scholarships are available for income-eligible individuals.
from 6 to 9 p.m. each day at Western Dairyland Community Action For more information or to register, visit successfulbusiness.org, call 715-
Agency, 418 Wisconsin St. The cost is $99 and scholarships are 836-7511 or email [email protected].
available for income-eligible individuals. For more information or to Aug. 12: The program “Microsoft Outlook: Effective Email
register, visit successfulbusiness.org, call 715-836-7511 or email info@ Management” will be from 9 a.m. to noon in Room 241 at Chippewa
successfulbusiness.org. Valley Technical College, 620 W. Clairemont Ave. The cost is $50. For
more information or to register, visit cvtc.edu/continuing-education.
Aug. 4: BLACK RIVER FALLS — Free training for those interested aspx.
in selling at local farmers markets will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Black ■ Also on Aug. 12, the program “Microsoft Outlook: Time
River Area Chamber of Commerce, 120 N. Water St. Participants will Management, Calendars and Tasks” will be from 1 to 4 p.m. in Room
learn how to become successful vendors at the farmers markets in 241 at the Chippewa Valley Technical College Business Education
Arcadia, Whitehall and Black River Falls. For more information visit Center, 620 W. Clairemont Ave. The cost is $50. For more
information or to register, visit cvtc.edu/continuing-
Eau Claire’s Premier education.aspx.
Business Lunch Destination Aug. 20: Junior Achievement’s 19th annual Golf
Outing begins at 11 a.m. at Wild Ridge Golf Course, 3905
Our features start at less than $10 Kane Road. Former Green Bay Packer LeRoy Butler is a
scheduled guest. Call 715-835-5566 for more information.
Aug. 25: The webinar “Mission Driven” will be from
noon to 1 p.m. The cost is $15. For more information Butler
visit visit successfulbusiness.org, call 715-836-7511 or email info@
successfulbusiness.org.
Sept. 8: The program “Start a Small Business in 8 Steps” will be
from 6 to 9 p.m. at Western Dairyland Community Action Agency,
418 Wisconsin St. The cost is $29 and scholarships are available for
income-eligible individuals. For more information or to register,
visit successfulbusiness.org, call 715-836-7511 or email info@
successfulbusiness.org.
Sept. 10-11: The Supervisor Training Program “Learning to Lead”
will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at Metropolis Resort and
Conference Center, 5150 Fairview Drive. For more information visit
uwec.edu/CE/, call 866-893-2423 or email [email protected].
Sept. 15: The webinar “Stress Free Recordkeeping 101” will
be from noon to 1 p.m. The cost is $15. For more information
visit successfulbusiness.org, call 715-836-7511 or email info@
successfulbusiness.org.
Sept. 15 and 17: The program “Business QuickBooks” will be
from 6 to 9 p.m. each day at Western Dairyland Community Action
Agency, 418 Wisconsin St. The cost is $99 and scholarships are
available for income-eligible individuals. For more information or to

28 | ♦ June 15, 2015

September CALENDAR

register, visit successfulbusiness.org, call 715-836-7511 or email info@ Sept. 25: The program “Finding and Attaining Grant
successfulbusiness.org. Funding for Your Nonprofit” will be from 9 a.m. to 4
p.m. at Banbury Place, 800 Wisconsin St. The presenter
Sept. 16: The annual “Social Media & Marketing Conference” will be is Jeremy Miner, director of grants and contracts in the
from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Florian Gardens, 2340 Lorch Ave. Visit Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at UW-
eauclairechamber.org or call 715-834-1204 for details. Eau Claire and president of Miner and Associates.
The program also will be held Sept. 24 at the Hudson
Sept. 17: INDEPENDENCE — Free training for those interested in Hospital and Conference Center, 405 Stageline Road. For
selling at local farmers markets will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at Western more information visit uwec.edu/CE/ or call 866-893-
Dairyland, 23122 Whitehall Road. Participants will learn how to become 2423 or email [email protected]. Miner
successful vendors at the farmers markets in Arcadia, Whitehall and
Black River Falls. For more information visit successfulbusiness.org or Sept. 28: An open house will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Chippewa
call 715-985-2391, ext. 1211. Valley Technical College Energy Education Center, 4000 Campus Road.
Visit cvtc.edu for more information.
Sept. 22: The 16th annual Age of Opportunity Job & Volunteer Fair will Sept. 29: The program “Affordable Care Act Update - What Employers
be from 9 a.m. to noon at Oakwood Mall, 4800 Golf Road. The event is Need to Know Now” will be from 10 a.m. to noon at The Plaza Hotel &
intended for mature workers (55 and over) looking for full- or part-time Suites, 1202 W. Clairemont Ave. There is no cost for chamber members;
employment or volunteer opportunities. For more information contact it’s $25 for nonmembers. For more information call 715-834-1204 or visit
Scott Rogers at 715-858-0616. eauclairechamber.org.
■ Also on Sept. 29, an Entrepreneurial Training Program will be from
■ Also on Sept. 22, “How to Prepare Your 990 for Success,” a free 6:30 to 9:15 p.m. at UW-Eau Claire. For more information contact the
program in the Wegner CPAs’ Nonprofit Roundtable Series, will be from UW-Eau Claire Wisconsin Small Business Development Center at 715-
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Eau Claire South, 4751 Owen Ayres 836-5811 or [email protected].
Court. The presenters are Maribel Kruepke and Yigit Uctum of Wegner
CPAs. For details contact Corinn Ploessl at 608-442-1922 or corinn.
[email protected].

■ Also on Sept. 22, the program “Mission Driven: Linking Mission
to Strategy” will be from 1 to 4 p.m. at Western Dairyland Community
Action Agency, 418 Wisconsin St. The cost is $29 and scholarships are
available for income-eligible individuals. For more information or to
register, visit successfulbusiness.org, call 715-836-7511 or email info@
successfulbusiness.org.

Golf Course and Event Center

• Beautifully • Business Meetings
Manicured Course • Company Outings
Conditions • Daily Business Lunch Specials
• Breathtaking Views
• Tee Positions for
Golfers of All Abilities in a Natural Setting
• Weddings
• Class Reunions
• Friday Night Fish Fry

www.wildridgegolf.com • 715-834-1766
776633_6-15-15

June 15, 2015 ♦ | 29

$283 billion 159

Gross state product in Wisconsin as of November of last year, Number of students at UW-Eau
according to Forbes. Claire when it opened in 1916
as the State Normal School at
51.6 Eau Claire. That number grew to
10,902 by the fall of 2013.
People per square mile in 2010 in Dunn
County, according to the U.S. Census
Bureau. The ratio for the state as a whole
was 105 people per square mile.

1933 By the
NUMBERS
Year that Chippewa Falls-based distributor General
Beer – Northwest was founded. The company is a
fourth-generation family business.

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30 R

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EclipseCrossword.com

30 | ♦ June 15, 2015

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June 15, 2015 ♦ | 31

Helping our clients build
community around every corner.

When our client Market & Johnson built 200 Riverfront Terrace it was
an achievement for their company and the entire Chippewa Valley.
We advise many successful companies, like Market & Johnson, because we,
too, believe in the further development and progress of where we live.
Ruder Ware plans on being a continuing contributor not only to our area’s
business development, but also to the overall future of our community.
When it comes to navigating your tomorrow, let us help you today.

eau claire | wausau ruderware.com
visit our blogs at blueinklaw.com

777669_6-15-15


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