Business Connection JUNE 2014
2014 Board of Directors Executive Committee
I found myself watching the Today Show on NBC last week and there was an interesting piece on bacon. The piece by James Eng attempted to explain the chemistry on why bacon smells so good. My typical breakfast consists of some oatmeal or Greek yogurt. But once a week I treat myself to some fantastic bacon at Promega’s BTC building. Their house made bacon is tough to top. The quality of this bacon is impressive.
President Jason Guttenberg Liberty Mutual
President Elect Bob Vanden Burgt Yahara Software Secretary Regina McFarland Treasurer Josh Marron Middleton Community Bank
Why do I like bacon so much? The flavor of a good piece of bacon is hard to beat. Bacon is also extremely versatile. The possibilities are endless. Bacon can be served as a side at breakfast, in an omelet, on a salad or sandwich for lunch or a burger for dinner. And don’t even get me started on the sweet combination of bacon and chocolate. And the business of bacon continues to evolve. There is now a local business providing bacon straws for Bloody Marys.
Past President Randy Krantz Neckerman Insurance Services
Board of Directors June Brown R.W. Baird
Curt Fuszard Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Jeff Kraemer Kraemer Development Terry Healy-Lemke Celerity Staffing Solutions Dave Neelsen Story First Media Michelle Schultz North Central Group Kyle Von Ruden Hausmann-Johnson Insurance
Ex-Officio Members
Mike Davis, City of Middleton Don Johnson, MCPASD
Chamber Staff
Dear Chamber Members,
Van Nutt, Executive Director Brenda Delabarre, Membership Services Lisa DuChateau, Communications
What does this have to do with the Middleton Chamber of Commerce? Much like bacon the Chamber is versatile and evolving. The Chamber has a wide variety of offerings for its members. I recently attended the Annual Sports Night at Keva Sports Center, there were rubber chickens flying through the air and relay competitions involving afros and bouncy inflatable horses. Sports Night is definitely not your traditional ‘business event’! But, if you are looking for something a little more traditional, you can attend one the Chamber’s Ask the Expert sessions (next one is June 25th on improving your selling skills) or
Economic Development Briefings. To connect with members without rubber chickens flying at your head, stop by the Business Social Hour at Captain Bill’s this Wednesday. This year also marks our 25th Annual Golf Outing! We hope you will be there July 16th to celebrate with us at Pleasant View, whether it’s playing 18 holes, having a little fun on the Par 3 (registrations are going fast for both!), for dinner at the 19th Hole or volunteering at the event. No matter what you choose, the opportunities to meet other business professionals through Middleton Chamber are limitless. Keeping the Chamber packed with fresh events that continue to support FACE (Facilitate, Advocate, Communicate and Educate) is what allows this group to remain vibrant, versatile and evolving. It’s much like discovering a new way to use bacon. Sincerely,
Jason Guttenberg 2014 Board President
The Middleton Chamber of Commerce
promotes a strong economy and a high quality of life for its members and community
Business Connection - 2
How Did You Get From There to Here? Profiles On The Vocational Journey
Interview by Linda Abbott Linda, owner of Never Forget Legacies & Tributes, creates heirloom-quality legacy books for individuals and families to preserve cherished memories and life stories. An award-winning journalist, author and public relations professional, Linda lives in Middleton with her husband Paul.
Meet:
Colleen Bowar
Co-Founder, Safe Bridge Solutions
Where did you grow up? What did you want to be when you grew up? I grew up on the west side of Madison. I thought I might do something in banking because my dad was a bank president. When I got to college, rather than going down the finance path, I ended up with a degree from UW-Madison, majoring in communication arts and specializing in public relations and advertising. What was your first job? My very first job was de-tasseling corn at Blaney Farms in Oregon when I was in high school. After I graduated from college, I worked as a claims reviewer for CUNA Mutual, reviewing death certificates to determine benefits. I worked there for seven years, and then took a part-time job so I could devote more time to raising my three daughters. What led to the founding of Safe Bridge Solutions in 2004? After my children got older, I was looking for new opportunities to re-enter the workforce. I ran into a former colleague, Gary Reitz from CUNA Mutual, at a UW basketball game. He encouraged me to come work with him at an IT and business consulting firm. I was tired of insurance, so I became a recruiter at that firm. I loved the business, but after a while, Gary and I and a colleague, Dan Millin, decided to start our own firm. We wanted to create a company that reflected our values of taking care of clients, employees and giving back to the community.
When we started Safe Bridge, we focused on developing an excellent staff of project managers and business analysts for our clients. At the time, a lot of IT programming was starting to go offshore, so we concentrated on finding talent with these key skills who could handle the complexity of an offshore development team. What do you remember from the early days? When we started the business we shared an office with a small company. They had some leftover furniture so we used their desks and bought laptops. Our biggest challenge was attracting employees. You’re only as good as the talent you hire so we really worked hard to build a high-quality staff. We needed to grow our employee group to 10 people in order to receive group insurance benefits, so we paid for their Cobra benefits until this happened. We reminded each other often that fear was a great motivator. Safe Bridge is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Looking back, what are you most proud of? Plans for the future? I’m very proud of our growth and success, and our commitment to our employees. We offer an outstanding benefits package—which includes a 401K match with immediate vesting along with paying for 80% of our employees’ health insurance premiums. And I’m proud to say that after 10 years—even through the recession—we’ve never cut back on benefits. Our consultants work offsite, so we work hard to maintain strong relationships. We have a holiday party, go to Mallards games in the summer and encourage involvement in community organizations. The first few years we were in business, we hand delivered paychecks every two weeks to check in and see how things were going. This changed due to client requirements but we still strive to stay in contact often.
We have expanded from primarily staff augmentation to also helping our clients with Contract-to-Hire and Direct Hire services. We currently have 80 employees and plan to continue growing. We have expanded into all skillsets related to IT and plan to expand beyond Madison into other markets. Who are some of your clients? CUNA Mutual Group, American Family Insurance, Dean Health Plan, Lands’ End, Mattel, Colony Brands, the State of Wisconsin, WPS Insurance, WEA Trust and many others. You’re a longtime volunteer with the Middleton Chamber golf outing, and Safe Bridge supports a number of community organizations such as United Way, Middleton Outreach Ministry and Gilda’s Club. What is the importance of these activities to you personally and to your business? I’ve met a lot of great people over the years through my chamber membership and I always enjoy volunteering at the annual golf outing. Several of our employees volunteer as well. It’s a great networking event and helps support the Chamber. We encourage our employees to give back to the community. It’s a good way to bring our consultants together with a common cause that reflects the core values of our company. What do you do for fun? Do you have a family? Favorite vacation spot? I love spending time with my family. I have three daughters, and I’m thrilled to have a two-year-old grandson. I love to travel, play golf and my favorite vacation spot is Hawaii.
Wish your apartment had as much character as you do? At Steve Brown Apartments, we refuse to use cookie cutter styling for any of our Middleton properties. Each community has been designed to reflect the taste of our discerning residents. Come see what’s different! Call today to arrange a tour of our individual, unique apartment homes, and experience what it’s really like to “be home.”
Where Your Comfort is Key! www.SteveBrownApts.com • 608.255.7100
This stylish and private apartment community is centered around a beautiful outdoor garden terrace and pool area, plus there is a clubhouse and fitness center. Enjoy studio, one, or two bedroom units (some lofted) with in-unit laundry, wood floors, stainless appliances, and more! Open House this Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.!
Corner of Old Sauk and Pleasant View www.BrownridgeTerrace.com
The Brownstone offers a living experience unlike any other rental community. In addition to the beautiful grounds and courtyard fountain, you’ll also enjoy in-unit laundry, wood floors, Kohler® faucets, stainless steel appliances, fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, and more! Studio, one, and two bedrooms are available!
Old Sauk Road, just west of Hwy. 12 www.TheBrownstoneApts.com
3 - Business Connection
elcome New Members Eppstein Uhen Architects Denise Henning-McGee 222 W Washington Ave, Suite 650 (608) 442-5350 www.eua.com
Career Momentum, Inc. Cory Erickson 49 Kessel Court, Suite 103 (608) 274-2430 www.careermomentum.com Description: Since 1989 Career Momentum has been helping people find the career which engages their passions, skills and experience. Whether you are considering a new career, or hoping to move forward in your current career, they can help you focus, re-tool, package yourself and conduct an effective transition strategy. They help corporate clients properly and effectively use assessment tools to hire the right people, identify and coach high potentials; develop strategies for on-boarding, performance improvement, employee engagement and leadership development; offer retirement planning focused on the whole person (New Horizons); and, when necessary, transition them. Their transition services include relocation assistance for trailing partners, internal re-deployment and outplacement. Career Momentum, Inc. is an equity-owner in Career Partners International (CPI) (www.cpiworld.com).
Description: Eppstein Uhen Architects is a multi-faceted architectural firm that performs work for clients throughout the country. The firm has diversified and grown through their focused staff expertise in the key industries of Workplace, Healthcare, Living and Education. Since their 1907 inception, they have actively worked to retain the core values of “doing the right thing”, treating customers and partners with respect, ensuring a quality product, and delivering proactive planning and design solutions. Our mission is to provide our clients with design and service that go far beyond the “norm” with relationships built on honesty and a shared understanding.
First Weber Group – Bob Winding 429 Gammon Place (608) 692-9400 www.firstweber.com Description: If you would like to work with someone who knows and appreciates Madison, Bob Winding would love to help you. He grew up in Madison and graduated from East High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After college, Bob made moves to and from Milwaukee, New York City and Minneapolis, so he understands the moving process, along with the challenges and stress that can be a part of it. Clients who have worked with Bob appreciate his strong communication skills, consultative approach and his genuine interest in helping them achieve their desired outcomes.
June 25, 8:00am (7:45 Registration) Taking Aim on Sales Better Selling Through Sharper Focus Presented by AJ Sue, AJ Sue Consulting
Ask the Expert Seminars are an included Member benefit REGISTER at
www.middletonchamber.com Located at Edgewood College - 1255 Deming Way
Business Connection - 4
elcome New Members Forkforce Carlos Landeau P.O. Box 2061, Madison (608) 692-1636 www.theforkforce.com Description: A silky smooth Social Network tailored specifically for the food and beverage services industry. Aimed at easing the hiring process for both employers and job seekers, forkforce is a delicious combination that connects restaurants, bars, and cafes with qualified job seekers. Think of it as LinkedIn meets Match.com.
GBR Corporation Brock Vander Velden 4227 Triangle Street, McFarland (608) 838-0066 www.garybrownroofing.com Description: Gary Brown Roofing Corp. was incorporated in 1989 by Betsy and Gary Brown, a second generation roofing contractor with more than 30 years of industry experience. GBR Corp. is dedicated to providing its customers with superior roofing services though trained personnel, attention to detail, and a service department that is second to none. Their clients are guaranteed to receive the highest quality product possible. They pride themselves on the workmanship of their highly experienced staff of estimators, project managers and roofing specialists. With GBR, you can be sure that all your commercial roofing needs will be handled with professional and timely service.
Madison Brain Center & Allergy Relief Cathy River 6417 Odana Road, Suite 3 (608) 234-4241 www.madisonbraincenter.com Description: Using the tools in her Tool Bag learned over the last 30 years in the US and Abroad, having been a Certified Brain Gym Instructor and Practitioner, Certified Massage Therapist and Body worker, Certified NLP Practitioner, Stroke Recovery Coach, Sensory Integration Protocol Specialist, EMT, Foster Parent, and ADD & ADHD Coach, Cathy facilitates you and/or your family’s success in a learning, peak performance, personal and/ or business environment. Dedicated to helping Children & Adults Optimize their Brain’s Performance & Rid Themselves of Anxiety.
New Leaders Council Luke Fuszard 8934 Red Beryl Drive (608) 313-4641 www.newleaderscouncil.org Description: New Leaders Council (NLC) is a 501(c)(3) that works to recruit, train and promote the progressive political entrepreneurs of tomorrow — trendsetters, elected officials and civically-engaged leaders in business and industry who will shape the future landscape. NLC recruits Fellows from outside traditional power structures and equips them with the skills necessary to be civic leaders in their communities and workplaces. NLC graduates are an everexpanding corps of diverse, new progressive leaders. NLC is creating an exciting network of individuals, highly-skilled in working together across sectors to improve the progressive infrastructure and ensure strong democracy, social justice, and equal opportunity.
Saving U Time LLC Thomas Dahmen 4976 Sunrise Ridge Trail (608) 225-7072 www.savingutime.com Description: Saving U Time LLC is a family owned company started in 2010. Founder Tom Dahman founded the company for his three sons, to show them the art of quality services in the lawn care and snow plowing industries. They provide quality lawn care and snow plowing services. Offering residential and commercial property care. ‘’Quality over Quantity’’ is what they strive to give their customers.
The Earring Tree Anna Sagami 6671 University Avenue (608) 203-9720 www.theearringtree.com Description: The Earring Tree is a new earring & jewelry store with BEADS! This Store is growing every day, with a wonderful collection of Swarovski Crystal jewelry and custom jewelry, great for proms weddings and parties! For jewelry artisans there are BEADS Hundreds of seed bead colors, a nice selection of Swarovski Crystal, czech glass, hundreds of charms, findings and art glass beads. The Earring Tree has the largest collection of magnetic jewelry in the state of Wisconsin, and carries gifts for all occasions including Art Glass ornaments and vases, wine charms, zipper pulls and the newest gift, Anna’s Angels. Come and see Rebecca at the Old Fashion Candy deli case!
5 - Business Connection
elcome New Members Chamber Events The Mattel Toy Store Kelly Ellsbury 8400 Fairway Place (608) 830-4230 www.thematteltoystore.com Description: For more than 15 years, The Mattel Toy Stores, have been a part of the world’s leading manufacturer of toys, Mattel, Inc. With 7 locations throughout the US, the Toy Stores provide a fantastic experience where friends and neighbors can shop for affordable premier brand name toys that bring a smile to a child’s face today and tomorrow. Their discount programs are designed with you in mind, whether you’re buying for your child, buying a gift, or donating to charity, they have a program so you can get the most value out of your budget.
UW Small Business Development Center Michelle Somes-Booher 975 University Avenue, Suite 3260 (608) 263-2221 www.bus.wisc.edu/cped/sbdc Description: The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Wisconsin Madison is part of a statewide network of SBDCs working with business owners and entrepreneurs to facilitate business growth and improvement, and to launch successful new companies. Through no-cost consulting, lowcost entrepreneurial education, and strategic facilitation, SBDC experts serve as resources for small and emerging mid-size companies. The Wisconsin SBDC is hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Extension and is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
April Business Social Hour Ball Body Shop
May Business Social Hour Claddagh Irish Pub
Business Connection - 6
Thank you
for your
Conitinued Membership
April & May Member Renewals 5NINES, LLC
Imperial Garden
Potter Lawson, Inc.
ABR Employment Services
James A. Lord, DDS, S.C.
PPD, Inc.
Abuelo’s
Jas McDaniel Photography
Prairie Cafe and Bakery
Accu-Clime Mechanical Services LLC
Killian Dental Clinic
Project Management Institute
ActionCOACH - Iain Macfarlane
Kraemer Development, LLC
Purple Cow Organics, LLC
Aerie Preferred Financial Group
Little Caesars Pizza
Radisson Hotel
American Family Insurance- Jim Christensen Agency
Livesey Company
Restoring Hope Transplant House
Asbury United Methodist Church
Loichinger Advantage LLC
Rhyme Business Products
Baer Insurance Services
Marriott-Madison West
Roman Candle Pizzeria, The
Barnes, Inc.
Megna Financial, LLC
Ruffin’ It Resort
Baymont Inn & Suites
Meicher CPAs
Rush Wisconsin Soccer Club
Beacon Business Group
Middleton Area Historical Society
Sam Simon Real Estate - Gladys Simon
Berndt CPA
Middleton Community United Church of Christ
Sam Simon Real Estate LLC
Blettner Group
Middleton Ford
Savant Capital Management
Bristled Boar Saloon
Middleton Life Magazine
Skyline Services, Inc.
BWBR
Middleton Travel Inc.
Sperry Van Ness
Captain Bill’s Seafood
Middleton Veterinary Hospital
Starbucks - Greenway Station
Chalmers Jewelers
Monks Bar & Grill
Stark Company Realtors - Mary Browning
Chartwell Wisconsin
Monsanto Company/Agracetus Campus
Structural Research Inc.
Coldwell Banker Success - Middleton
Murphy Desmond, S.C.
Sullivan Design Build
CORE Health & Fitness
National Association of Women in Construction
The Jefferson Senior Independent Living Community
Courtyard by Marriott - Madison West
National Electrostatics Corporation
ThermaCor, Inc
CPU Solutions
Neena LLC
Tires Plus
Culligan Total Water
Neider & Boucher S.C.
US Bank
Dean Health System
Nerium International
Villa Dolce
Diny’s Jewelers of Middleton LLC
Nonn’s Design Showplace
Vincent Meinholz Family Farm
DirectNetworks, Inc.
NSI, A Division of West Bend Mutual
Wealth and Wisdom of Wisconsin
Edward Jones - Andy Voeltner
Parks Electrical Service Inc.
Weed Man
Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
Parkwood Plaza, LLC C/O - Anding Realty
Wegner CPAs
Elements Massage
PDQ Food Stores, Inc.
WISC - TV3 / CBS
Entercom Madison
Pellitteri Waste Systems
Wisconsin Bank & Trust
EnvisionCAD
Pipers Mechanical Inc.
Wolff Kubly Hardware & Time Center
Friends of Middleton Library Friends of Performing Arts Center Fristam Pumps USA Gallant Knight Limousine, Inc. Good Neighbor Fest Goode Solutions LLC Greene-Niesen Insurance Agency, Inc. Group Health Cooperative of South Central WI Haley Palmersheim, S.C. Happy Hill Consulting LLC Hartjes Natural Health Hawks Quindel, S.C. Hilton Garden Inn - Madison West/Middleton Hubbard Avenue Diner
June 4, 4:30-6:30pm Captain Bill’s - 2701 Century Harbor Rd July 31, 5-7pm Wisconsin Brewing Company - 1079 American Way, Verona Bring a colleague or guest for an evening of networking Register at www.middletonchamber.com
7 - Business Connection
Announcements T.Wall Properties, LLC Changes Name to Vanta Commercial Properties, LLC. T. Wall Properties has changed its name to Vanta Commercial Properties effective April 21, 2014. The new name reinforces the company’s exclusive commitment to commercial real estate and its mission to provide fully integrated real estate services to its customers. In addition, the new name is intended to differentiate the company from multi-family and residential companies which bear similar names. Vanta Commercial Properties has a local, experienced staff of licensed professionals who assist customers with their brokerage, property management, construction, development and service needs. Customers can focus on building their businesses while Vanta Commercial Properties handles their commercial real estate needs. The company’s tagline, “Imagine It” supports its goal to turn customers’ envisioned office spaces into reality.
United Way Announces 2014-2015 Board of Directors: Dr. Jack Daniels III, Madison College; Henry Gaylord, East High School Student and By Youth For Youth Representative; Donna Katen-Bahensky, UW Hospital & Clinics and Susan Riseling, Chief of Police, UW Madison. Serving as representatives on this year’s Board include: Sharyl Kato, The Rainbow Project; Dora Zúñiga, Big Brothers Big Sisters. Nick Meriggioli, Oscar Mayer/Kraft Foods was elected to serve as Chair of the Board. Additional officers for the Board include Richard Lynch, J.H. Findorff & Sons as Vice Chair and Dave Stark, Stark Company Realtors as Secretary/Treasurer.
Sperry Van Ness has announced that Jeff Jansen has completed the lease of 1,000 SF of office space to Freitag & Associates, LLC at 8500 Greenway Blvd. Jansen represented the landlord. Jeff Jansen and Anita Frey also completed the lease of 3,605 SF to Michigan Millers Mutual at 3220 Deming Way.
Summit Credit Union Awards Continuing Education Scholarships. “The essence of credit unions is to empower members to be financially responsible and secure.” Summit Credit Union awarded three $1,500 scholarships to Lindsey Borleke (Madison), Smantha Johnson (Sun Prairie) and Haily Wrasman (Middleton), and one $2,500 scholarship to the Urban League of Greater Madison’s Scholars Academy. Scholarships were awarded at Summit’s annual membership meeting. Applications for the 2015 Summit Credit Union Board of Directors Scholarships will be posted at www.summitcreditunion.com beginning January, 2015.
MHK Raises Funds for March of Dimes. MHK Retirement Partners recently raised over $1,200 to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. MHK participated in March for Babies on May 10. The MHK team began “Jeans Friday” last fall, employees could opt to dress down on Fridays, provided they make a donation. By the time of the walk, the fund was over $150, and MHK owner Chris Krueger matched his employees’ contributions, with the rest of the donations coming from friends and family of the MHK team.
Madison Commercial Real Estate Firm Extends Reach, Ends ties with Colliers International. TG Properties and Brokerage, LLC, headed by Tom Gialamas, has announced the formation of a joint venture with Newmark Grubb Pfefferle, which will operate as Newmark Grubb Gialamas in Madison. Newmark Grubb Pfefferle will continue to serve northern and central Wisconsin with its offices in Appleton, Green Bay and Wausau. Together, the companies will provide the most comprehensive services throughout Wisconsin.
SVA Hosts Shred Fest with BBB and Pellitteri. SVA Certified Public Accountants, S.C. hosted a Shred Fest May 3, 2014 at their Madison office location on John Q Hammons Drive. This event was held in conjunction with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Pellitteri Data Destruction Division. 513 cars brought in bags or boxes of documents that needed shredding weighing a total of 10.43 tons – a NEW RECORD for both the BBB and Pellitteri!
NARI Offers Design Tips During Home Improvement Month. Kitchens remain a top remodeling project in 2014, according to the Member Profile Study done by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), in time for National Home Improvement Month this May. Eighty-two percent of NARI members identify kitchens as their primary service offering. Lighting, mixed use of cabinetry and wine storage top kitchen trends in 2014.
Meriter-UnityPoint Health Celebrates 10 Years in Middleton “I’m proud to have worked at this clinic since its opening, and although I’ve seen change, our strong commitment to our patients never wavers. We don’t treat our patients as ‘diagnoses,’ but as friends and neighbors,” said Dr. Ken Felz, internist at Meriter Middleton. Meriter opened its first primary care clinic on Elmwood Avenue, originally known as Meriter Medical Clinic – Middleton, in May 2004, offering internal medicine to adults. Since then, Meriter Middleton has added family medicine, pediatrics, nutrition and diabetes education services. Meriter has also opened several more specialty clinics in Middleton over the past decade, including dermatology, therapy, and orthopedics and, most recently, a spine center. “We’re grateful to be part of the Middleton community, and I’m grateful to be part of such an amazing team,” said Clinic Manager Anne Sutter. “Meriter has come a long way in the last 10 years, and there’s no doubt the future will only be brighter.” Meriter Middleton, part of Meriter-UnityPoint Health, currently employs 20 people and is one of seven Meriter primary care clinics around Madison. Find more at meriter.com/middletonclinic.
Business Connection - 8
Awards Starion Financial Rated Four Stars by Bankrate.com. Starion Financial has been awarded four stars in Bankrate.com’s Safe & Sound Ratings service for the quarter that ended September 30, 2013.This is the highest score a financial institution can receive. These ratings are comparisons to both industry and peer norms and standards and key absolute benchmarks.
Starion Financial Receives Highest Rating from Bauer Financial. Starion Financial has received a five star rating from Bauer Financial, the Nation’s leading independent bank and credit union rating firm. BauerFinancial has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983. Star ratings are assigned on a scale of zero-to-five stars (five being the strongest) and are based on the overall financial picture of the financial institution. The ratings are independent, meaning no institution is able to pay to be rated or excluded. Starion Financial’s Weber Receives National Recognition. Jason Weber, mortgage banker at Starion Financial, has been named to Mortgage Executive’s Top 1% of Mortgage Originators list. The publication seeks to recognize and celebrate the service, dedication and hard work that leading mortgage professionals put into serving their clients. To be eligible for consideration, originators must have had at least $30 million in loan volume in the 2013 calendar year. Weber produced more than $58 million and closed240 loans in 2013
First Business Recognized as one of the Top 40 Community Banks Nationwide by American Banker Magazine. First Business was recognized as one of the top 40 community banks in the nation by American Banker Magazine. American Banker Magazine annually ranks the top community banks and thrifts with less than $2 billion of assets by three-year average ROE. At the time of the ranking, First Business had a 3-year average ROE of 13.27%.
Grundahl Recognized with Award. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) recognized Jeff Grundahl,
President of JG Development, with a 2014 Achievement Award in the category of Chapter President. “The Chapter President Award” honors one of 57 chapter presidents who has demonstrated outstanding leadership capability in the broad range of service to his chapter during his term of service.
Morey Airplane Company Named Wisconsin Aviation Business of The Year. The Wisconsin Aviation Trades Association (WATA) has named Morey Airplane Company -- a Middleton, Wisconsin business since 1946 -- ”Wisconsin Aviation Business of the Year.” The award was presented to Morey Airplane Company President Richard Morey. Morey Airplane Company is located at Middleton Municipal Airport - Morey Field in Middleton, Wis. The company is a flight center providing air charter, flight instruction, aircraft maintenance and fuel sales. The company was selected for the award from among 250 aviation businesses in the state, ranging from fullservice flight centers like Morey’s, to aircraft manufacturers, avionics service facilities, insurance companies, parts suppliers, fuel vendors, and others.
Therese Gulbransen Receives 2014 ATHENA Award. The 17th Annual ATHENA* Award Celebration, was a night to recognize six outstanding nominees for their creativity and initiative in their business or profession, leadership in the community and especially for their efforts to help women achieve their full potential. Therese Gulbransen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, American Printing Co., was named the 2014 ATHENA Award recipient for the many accomplishments throughout her life including her work for the YWCA and A Fund For Women (AFFW). At the YWCA she served on the board for six years and she served as board chair for two years during the major decision making of their capital campaign. Therese is also currently the chair of United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council. She believes that when a diverse network of caring, powerful women join together to drive lasting change in their community, anything is possible. She serves not only as a leader but also as a role model for what women can accomplish when they work together.
Rob Wartella, manager of the Country Inn & Suites, Madison West (Middleton) was awarded the 2013 Select Service General Manager of the Year Award by Kinseth Hospitality Companies. Kinseth Hospitality Companies is a midwest hospitality management company with a large and diverse portfolio. Headquartered in North Liberty, Iowa, Kinseth offers an approachable, handson style of management. As your hospitality management company, we commit to providing you with many proven operational systems in all facets of the hospitality business, from hotel development to daily hotel management services.
Automation Components Receives Wisconsin Family Business Award. Congratulations to Automation Components, Inc. (ACI) for receiving the Wisconsin Family Business Award’s Grand Award for Medium-sized company. ACI was founded in 1991 with seven employees averaging twenty one years of age. Though the US was deep in a recession and unemployment was high, founder, Troy Schwenn, never lost focus, putting in long and grueling hours to get his company off the ground. And have they grown. ACI currently employs more than 150 people at their plant in Middleton. Their reach is global with sales office in New Brunswick and Hong Kong. ACI made a strong commitment to manufacture and source locally. In 2011 they purchased a competing product line that had outsourced their manufacturing to China. ACI brought those manufactured products and jobs back to Middleton. They are truly one big family!
WISC-TV 3 CBS Wins Top 2014 Edward R Murrow Awards: - #1 Breaking News - The Search for Paris Poe - #1 Continuing Coverage - Brayden Turnbill’s Death - #1 Featured Reporting - Photographing That Tree - #1 Reporting: Sports - Pursuing Her Passions #1 Use of Sound Video - Jeremy Nichols (2nd year in a row) - #1 Website - Channel3000 (3rd year in a row)
9 - Business Connection
Hires/Promotions Associated Bank is pleased to announce that Kane Shutter has been hired as assistant vice president, residential loan officer. Shutter brings 23 years of lending experience to the position having previously served as assistant vice president, residential lending, with Wisconsin Bank and Trust and Associated Bank. Associated also announced that Mark Brant was hired as senior vice president, regional sales manager. A senior financial leader with more than 30 years in banking, Brant formerly held the position of vice president, commercial banking with Key Bank.
Lerdahl Business Interiors is pleased to welcome Chris Komosa, one of their newest Interior Designers! Komosa is a UW-Stevens Point graduate.
Wisconsin Bank & Trust has announced that Keenan Fonner has been promoted to a newly created position of Banking Center Manager at Wisconsin Bank & Trust’s locations in Madison and Middleton. His promotion is part of a new retail service model designed around customer needs. In his new role, Fonner is leading a tight-knit team of personal bankers and tellers who are all cross-trained in multiple banking services. Fonner previously served as a Business Banker at the bank’s Madison location.
Newmark Grubb Gialamas is excited to announce the below new hires for our Madison office: Gina Gialamas, Lana GialamasBull, Michael Brusca, Justin Komppa, Michael Croasdaile and Art Haras.
Business Connection - 10
Events June 3, 6pm Edward Jones Financial Advisor Career Seminar. Madison Club. Submit your resume to
[email protected] June 3, 6:30-7:30pm Quest College Program Funding Information Session. Learn concepts that will reduce your family’s college costs by thousands of dollars. KEVA Sports Center June 4, 8am Habitat for Humanity “Unlock the Dreams Tour” HFH of Dane County Headquarters - 1014 Fiedler Lane, #29, Madison, in our Harmony Park neighborhood. RSVP to
[email protected], or register at www.habitatdae.org/tour. June 6, 8:30am 8th Annual Greater Madison Area SHRM Golf Outing to benefit REACH-A-Child. The Oaks Golf Course. Register at www.gmashrm. org/2014golf June 12, 5pm PPD, Inc. Keep It Clean, Go Green! Help keep Middleton beautiful! Meet at PPD, Building 1 (8500 Research Way) grab your free t-shirt, garbage bags and clean-up for an hour. Then meet at local restaurant for a cold beverage! Questions, contact
[email protected] June 13, 8am THE KURT Golf Tournament to Benefit Middleton Outreach Ministry. Cherokee Country Club. Register at www.2014site.thekurt.org June 13, 6:30pm THE KURT Music Event with Jason Isbell & James McMurtry and the Heartless Bastards to the Majestic Theatre. www.2014site.thekurt.org June 17 Summer Classes Begin at Twin Valley Clay Sign-up at www.twinvalleyclay.com
June 18 & 19 Wisconsin Bank & Trust “Profit Mastery” Business Financial Training Workshop. Register at www.eventbrite.com/e/profitmastery-2014-registration-10531557171 June 19, 5:30pm Holy Wisdom Monastery Prairie Rhapsody Benefit Concert. $50, benedictinewomen.org/ support-our-work/prairie-rhapsody-benefitconcert/ June 21, 10am Ballweg Chevrolet Inc. Car Show. To register your classic car or truck, email events@ ballweg.com June 21, 5pm THE KURT Soccer Marathon. Continuous soccer game/T-Shirts/Refreshments. Shorewood Hills. Limit 100 players. www.2014site.thekurt.org/the-kurt-soccermarathon/
June 25, 4-11pm Craftsman Table New Belgium Brewery Tap Takeover! 8% of bar proceeds benefit the Middleton Community Endowment. Come enjoy beer with your neighbors! June 26, 6-8pm Meriter Medical Clinic Tee Up for Men’s Health. Golf swing analysis & discussion on men’s health. Blackhawk Country Club. Register at www.meriter.com/classes June 29, 6-9pm Gilda’s Backyard BBQ. Benefit for Gilda’s Club. Enjoy live music, food and beverages. $50. Register at www.gildasclubmadison.org
Registration Opens
Shot-Gun Start
11 - Business Connection
Awards & Raffle Drawing
19th Hole Dinner
Par 3 Start
ANNUAL GOLF OUTING
JULY 16, 2014 | Pleasant View Golf Course
Presented by
An 9-Hole Par 3 & 18-Hole Event for Members & Guests 18 Holes - $160/Golfer 9 Holes on Par 3 - $50/Golfer 19th Hole Dinner Event - $35/person
Not a Golfer? Great! Play the “Sports” Par 3! Shoot, pass, kick & throw your way through 9 holes!
- Presenting Sponsor -
- Event Sponsor -
- 19th Hole Dinner Sponsor -
- Lunch Sponsor -
- Exclusive Hole Sponsors -
- Beverage Sponsors -
- Golf Cart Sponsors -
- Shared Hole Sponsors -
- Hole in One Sponsor -
- Chamber Challenge Sponsor -
- Beverage Cart Sponsors -
- Dunk Tank Sponsor -
- Special Thanks To - Par 3 Hole Sponsors -
Ballweg Chevrolet - Burse Surveying & Engineering CMS of Madison - Olson Toon Landscaping
REGISTER NOW
Business Connection - 12
Running Out of Thank You Cards By Roger C. Eigenfeld, Pastor St. Lukes’s Years ago I attended a seminar for business and professional people whose livelihoods were dependent upon making sales. The reason I found myself among salespersons was because the presenter was a member of my congregation and he thought it might be helpful for me to see and hear their stories and how some folks became top salespersons in their companies. It was a fascinating mix of men and women whose jobs went all the way from door to door sales to people who occupied corner offices and accomplished their task more by phone and e-mail than by actually shaking hands, sitting down with the client, and getting the order. During the course of the seminar the presenter illustrated how one salesperson moved from neophyte to one who was consistently a top producer for his firm. He put his hand in his pocket and said, “Here’s his magic weapon.
This is how he gets his customers to buy from him again and again.” In his hand he held a first class postage stamp. “This is it!” he said. “This is what gets the job done.” He went on to say that this successful salesperson made it a habit to always have ready a supply of thank you notes in his briefcase - stamped and ready to go. He didn’t wait until he got back to his office or hotel room to write his note of thanks - instead, upon reaching his car, he would flip open that briefcase, pull out the pre-stamped envelope, and immediately write his thank you note. Sometimes they were written to say thank you for the order. Other times, they were words of thanks for the opportunity to present his product. No matter whether he got the sale or not the note was immediately written and then dropped in the nearest mailbox so that it might possibly be on the client’s desk the next day.
Far too many of us have boxes and boxes of thank you notes just sitting around instead of allowing them to fulfill their intended purpose of saying thanks. In reality, thank you notes are the one thing we should always be running out of simply because we constantly remember to write them and send them. The occasion need not be for receiving something grand or out of the ordinary. Just a note saying thanks for the chance to share some of the person’s time can do wonders in building a relationship. In fact, a note offering thanks for a person’s time is more powerful than you might think. So, get some stamps, get some thank you cards, and start writing. There’s someone out there who would love to read those precious words, “Thank you!”
Chamber Ribbon Cuttings
BodyFit Solutions Sherwin Williams
The Center for Play Therapy
The Earring Tree
New Awakenings
Communication Innovations
View More Pictures on the Middleton Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page
Get Moving Middleton
13 - Business Connection
Stay informed about the community, schools, business trends, financial markets, health matters, and more!
Monthly - 7:30am - Hilton Garden Inn June Presenter Line-Up:
June Sponsor
July Sponsor
Deb Mann, Capital Remediation capitalremediation.com Amy Schubert, Bodyfit Solutions bodyfitsolutions.com Matt Starika, Middleton Players Theater middletonplayers.com Ray Riddle, Middleton Comm Endowment
madisoncommunityfoundation.org
Annual Sponsors
The Middleton Chamber of Commerce promotes a strong economy and a high quality of life for its members and community.
Visit us at Middletonchamber.com
Chamber Event Calendar
Show your support for your fellow members, network and socialize; Bring a guest! Monday, June 2, 11:30am Ambassador Committee Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
Tuesday, June 10, 12pm Golf Outing Committee Pleasant View Clubhouse
Monday, July 7, 11:30am Ambassador Committee Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
Wednesday, June 4, 4:30-6:30pm Business Social Hour Captain Bill’s
Wednesday, June 11, 5pm Ribbon Cutting Blackhawk Country Club
Tuesday, July 8, 12pm Golf Outing Committee Pleasant View Clubhouse
Thursday, June 5, 7:30am Get Moving Middleton Hilton Garden Inn
Wednesday, June 18, 12pm Economic Development Wisconsin Bank & Trust
Thursday, July 10, 7:30am Get Moving Middleton Hilton Garden Inn
Friday, June 6, 4:30pm Ribbon Cutting & Open House Encore Construction
Tuesday, June 24, 12pm Golf Outing Committee Pleasant View Clubhouse
Wednesday, July 16, 9:30am 25th Annual Golf Outing Pleasant View Golf Course
Sunday, June 8, 11-2pm Grand Opening Fit Body Bootcamp
Wednesday, June 25, 8am Ask the Expert: Taking Aim at Sales Edgewood College, Deming Way
Thursday, July 31, 5-7pm Business Social Hour Wisconsin Brewing Company
