August 2007 ~ Issue 209

Vinton Construction held an informational meeting on July 12th regarding various aspects of the Highway 42 road construction project, located near I-43 primarily in the Town of Sheboygan. The road construction project became an important aspect of the new Super Wal-Mart development at Hwy 42 and Vanguard Drive. In addition to Wal-Mart, Menard's is increasing their size with a new facility being built on the north side of Hwy 42. The Hwy 42 project calls for several roundabouts, including those at the base of the ramps at Hwy 42 and I-43. During construction vehicles coming down the ramps off I-43 will be in a temporary, single lane and will only be allowed to turn right from the ramp.

Involved in the project are the two construction companies, a Wal-Mart Development Company called ARC Design, the Wisconsin DOT, and the County Highway Department. Part of the original negotiations on the project called for the development of a temporary road extending Vanguard Drive for access. It was reported the temporary road, which should have opened at the time of construction, is 6-9 weeks out until it's ready, and the temporary road comes out when Wal-Mart opens. Town of Sheboygan Chairman, Dan Hein, is working on getting the temporary road open sooner.

From the Chamber's viewpoint making sure business can continue and thrive during such a road construction phase is important. Several area businesses attended the special meeting, while others did not. It was made clear that businesses are allowed to and will be responsible for getting out their own signs directing customers and suppliers to their business. These signs cannot be placed in the right-of-way or on barricades. The detour will take people from Hwy 42 to CTH Y to CTH J and back to Hwy 42, whether coming from the north or south.

The timeline for completion of the road construction project is around November 1st, although the contract calls for January completion. Information on this construction project can be viewed on the Sheboygan County website, which is co.sheboygan.wi.us. The Sheboygan County Chamber has acquired project contact information just in case issues or concerns develop. It is important for the Chamber to remind our members and their employees to support businesses located in a heavy road construction zone, much like we did for Sheboygan Falls downtown and the Michigan Avenue project. We want all the businesses in that area survive through the project without too much loss of business.

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Welcome These Leadership Institute Participants

The participants for the new class of the Sheboygan County Leadership Institute have been selected. This will be the 19th class to take part in the program. The Institute’s mission is to seek out and bring together emerging and potential leaders from various segments of the community for continuing education about the Sheboygan County community.

The 2007-08 class participants are Kristin Bell Abell of Lakeshore Technical College, Kurt Brasser of the Sheboygan Police Department, Jeff Dedering of Kohler Co., Cindy Detienne of the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department, Jon Dolson of M & I Bank, Paula Haelfrisch of the Sheboygan Police Department, Katie Horien of Kohler Credit Union, Bobbi Illig of St. Nicholas Hospital, Reneé Jaeckel of Aurora Sheboygan Clinic, Mark Miller of Mark J. Miller, CPA, Cory Roeseler of the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department, John Rogers of the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce, Meg Roman of Junior Achievement, Kathy Steiner of Kohler Credit Union, Leeann Vang of H. C. Denison Co., Mark Wittstock of Cardinal Environmental, Dean Ziegler of Associated Bank, and Christine Zimmerman of UnitedOne Credit Union.

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2008 Visitors Guide Under Way

As this newsletter was going to press, invitations to participate in the Chamber of Commerce's 2008 Sheboygan County Visitors Guide were being processed and mailed.

75,000 Visitors Guides are distributed throughout the state to Wisconsin Information Centers, as well as distributed to area hotels and attractions, and sent out to all who inquire about visiting or relocating.

There are informative sections on the County's attractions, cultural opportunities, recreational activities, and activities calendar. There are also special listing sections for lodging, dining, services, shopping and churches.

Fifty-word section listings start at $165. Display ads begin at $320.

Please contact the Chamber for a copy of the contract. The space reservation deadline is Sept. 28. Materials deadline is Oct. 19. Materials must be on disk in completed form. The Chamber will not create or alter ads.

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While Universal Health Care has recently passed the Wisconsin Senate, it still has some pits to cross over. The August 3 First Friday Forum will discuss aspects of the budget bill and I would be certain the Healthy Wisconsin Initiative. In the meantime, don't discontinue your health insurance plan. Universal health care has a rocky road ahead. The Chamber agreed to watchdog several business related issues. When the legislature takes a vote on those issues, we will update the Legislative Status Report.

The Chamber's new Business Development Director is on board. A reception was held to introduce John Rogers to the business community and key leaders. Several individual meetings have also been held. Within his first two weeks on the job John began work on four different business projects/prospects. John is here to be of service to the business community and influence positive growth. The Chamber Board, staff and the many committee members are pleased he has joined the team.
While the Chamber has many programs and projects going on, we have two unique and new initiatives for the latter part of 2007. A Business and Industry Expo will be held on October 25 and 26 at the Blue Harbor Conference Center. This will be an incredible opportunity for Sheboygan County businesses to showcase what they do and make to the greater Sheboygan County area. See the enclosed flier highlighting the event and watch for the exhibitor contract information. The other initiative is hosting the New North Summit on December 14th at the Blue Harbor Conference Center. A regional Summit Planning Committee is working on the details of this significant event that will attract the key leadership, economic development professionals, and CEO's of major companies throughout the 18 county region New North represents. This will be an opportunity for Sheboygan County to shine.

So much is on the agenda for the Chamber right now; we are excited to be working hard to serve our members. The Chamber is getting the Business Retention & Expansion Team trained and operational, taking a serious look into offering health insurance to our members is underway, beginning the 2008 Visitors Guide, working on a joint effort with the Society for Human Resource Management to conduct a wage and benefit survey, and laying new tracks to provide even greater business assistance to you, our members.

As the dog days of August begin, I am reminded of the high temperatures surrounding the U.S. Senior Open. A brief opinion survey on the impact the USSO had on business and the local economy brought in mostly positive reviews, although some felt there was an impact, but it was modest. One member summed it up "I get a lot of golfers all summer long from all over the place that heard about how great our golf is from these tournaments.” And yet another said, "This was great for Sheboygan!!!! I see no negatives. We should have more events like this come to this area. Show others what a beautiful area this is. I am sorry this area has so much to offer and we are not using it.….."

Some positive thoughts to leave with you … until next month.

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Miscellaneous Musings

Time to collect (never easy) and pass on (never difficult) my thoughts as the Member Ship cruises along.

?Planning for the magnificent 2007 Golf Outing is under way. This can't miss Chamber event is Sept. 11 at The Bull at Pinehurst Farms and it looks like it is going to be a great day. We are anticipating some 250 golfers again as only a couple 9-hole and split 18-hole tee times remain.

A few opportunities remain for hole sponsorships. It is an outstanding promotional opportunity. And remember that even if you don't golf, we would love to see you at the dinner. If you are interested in any of the above (playing, dinner or sponsorship), call the Chamber at 920-457-9491.

?Work has begun on the 2008 Visitors Guide. It marks the 26th straight year that the Chamber has published this informative piece. The piece is distributed to visitors and newcomers and is also helpful to residents. Sections on attractions, lodging, dining, services, shopping, recreation and churches are all included. More information appears elsewhere in the newsletter. Again, call with questions.

?If you have joined the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce, please remember that we consider you a member unless you inform us with a cancellation request that you no longer want to be a member. We understand that circumstances change and that on ocassion members drop out of the Chamber. Please give us a courtesy to call and let us know. Please do not ignore the invoices. Communication will bring about a faster resolution.

?The Ambassadors are in the very early stages of planning their Winter Event. So early that I can’t say anything about what it is all about. Well, maybe I can say this much: keep Valentine's Day open.

?Expanding your facility? Change your location? Call for a ribbon cutting.

?I know summer is busy, but I've got to tell you that if you have been one of the "too busy" ones, you have missed some super Business Connections. The gatherings at Sleep Inn, Art Imig's and Z Spot were great events. Charter Communications (August 21), Seabird (Sept. 26) and M & I Bank (Oct. 10) are the upcoming events. Mark the dates, call the Chamber to make your reservation and enjoy "connecting" with your fellow Chamber members.

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Years ago my employer's tag line said: "It's not a job, it's an adventure!" That is exactly how I view this new opportunity as Business Development Director for the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce. Working with local businesses on a variety of projects and helping individuals with their free enterprise spirit of entrepreneurship will be exciting!

During my career in the private sector and economic development I learned to focus on three essentials: RETENTION - pay attention to what exists (clients or businesses), EXPANSION - help existing and new businesses (or client projects) grow and thrive, and ATTRACTION - have the right mix of education, skilled workforce and quality of life that will tell someone from another part of the world that Sheboygan County is where "We mean business!" and I want my business to be there, too!

As a community - business friendly team, we at the Chamber must listen to what is making Sheboygan County employers 'tick', but also ask "What keeps you awake at night?" In this global economy the answers to these questions, and more, can be extremely complex and not solved during one restless night! The answers may be the keys to RETENTION of our important existing businesses.

EXPANSION is often fueled by innovation. Look around Sheboygan County at the new businesses that were once an idea, but now make products or provide services that make life easier here and around the world. Could your idea become your own business? Tell me about it!

ATTRACTION might be the hardest part because it is too much like fishing, but Sheboygan County has a tackle box full of bright and shiny lures: excellent schools, communities bursting with neighborhood pride, and people who will say "HI" in the morning rather than looking down at the sidewalk!

Exciting and beneficial new programs will be launched in coming months so be alert for them. These new programs may help you with solving your challenges or developing your opportunities. I am delighted to be a member of the Sheboygan County Chamber team and look forward to hearing from you either by telephone [I'm at extension 307] or by email [rogers@sheboygan.org].

Member Close-Up

Who is the SCHBA?
The Sheboygan County Home Builders Association (SCHBA) is a not-for-profit professional trade organization of builders, craftspeople, subcontractors and suppliers. The SCHBA boasts a roster of more than 240 member firms involved in the construction, development and remodeling of single and multifamily housing and light commercial property in Sheboygan County. Collectively, SCHBA members employ almost 10,000 workers in the area. SCHBA is affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA), and had been representing the building industry locally since 1977.

Dedication to professionalism, strong business ethics and industry standards are among the many reasons members cite for joining the SCHBA. These are the same reasons prospective home builders and remodelors would choose to work with a SCHBA member. Ultimately it's the consumer that benefits from the association safeguards and initiatives.

Continuing education through monthly membership meetings and seminars are some of the many benefits available to members through the SCHBA as well as event discounts, advertising and networking opportunities.

The association is best recognized in the community through SCHBA public events such as the Home Expo, held each April and the Parade of Homes held each September. Giving back to the community is also very important to volunteer members through the "Homes of Our Own" conservation program for third grade students; "Building Careers" grant program providing tools for the high schools and the "Helping Hammers" program for those less fortunate and requiring a home spruce up.

Further details on the association and its members can be obtained by visiting the web site at www.schba.org or calling 920-892-6280.

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Talk of the Town

Muth Mirror Systems has earned ISO 9001:2000 certification. They have also been named one of 26 entries into the final round of the 2007 Governor’s Business Plan Contest.

The Premier Healthcare Alliance recognized Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center with three 2007 Premier Awards for Quality for excellence in the care of patients.

First National Bank, has announced the promotion of Jennifer Foote to VP-Enterprise Risk Management.

The 2nd annual Memory Walk, benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association, Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter, will be held September 22 at Sports Core, Kohler. For info or a Walk brochure, call 414-479-8800.

Keller Inc. has been named the Best General Contractor in Wisconsin for the second year in a row and Best Architect in Wisconsin by Corporate Report Wisconsin at the 3rd Annual Best of Wisconsin Business Awards Ceremony.
Community Bank & Trust was recently recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as the 2006 Leading Volume Lender.

EP-Direct Printing has been named one of the largest digital printers in the U.S., according to Quick Printing Magazine.

The Aurora Health Foundation is pleased to announce Eleanor Jung is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award for 2007.

Community Bank & Trust sponsored the City of Sheboygan Independence Day parade and offered three top prizes to the best entrants in the parade. First prize: Classic Reunion. Second prize: Hispanic Service Club of Sheboygan. Third prize: Hmong Mutual Assistance Association of Sheboygan.

Lakeshore Technical College is offering a Lean Manufacturing Continuing Education Certificate. To register or more info, contact Ruth Semph at 888-468-6582, ext.1167; or Ruth.Semph@gotoltc.edu.

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2007 Board of Directors & Officers

*Mary Brasseaux, Chamber President, St. Nicholas Hospital
Jeff Breit, The Sports Core
George Bruggenthies, Elkhart Lake’s Road America
Michael DeLany, Wells Fargo
Ed Felchner, ACUITY
David Gass, Rohde Dales
Thomas Turicik, Plymouth Chamber of Commerce
*Jay Hogfeldt, Wind Mill Slatwall Products
*William Kerwin, Pemco, Inc.
Kristine Konen, Sargento Foods
Niel Larsen, Maritime Insurance Group
*Michael Leibham, O’Malley & Associates
*Mark Maurer, Heartland Business Bank
*James Maxon, M & I Marshall & Ilsley Bank
Paul Nemschoff, Nemschoff Chairs
Scott Niederjohn, Lakeland College
*Dee Olsen, Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce
Susan Patterson, Al & Al’s Stein Haus
Lola Roeh, Elkhart Lake Chamber of Commerce
Dennis Roehrborn, Sargento Foods
Craig Roush, Rockline Industries
Steve Schmitt, Sheboygan Falls Chamber/Main Street
*Richard Scroggins, Harbor Centre BID, Scroggins Jewelers
Tom Slezewski, Random Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
David Sonnentag, Veolia Environmental Services
Bryon Zimmerman, ZDO
*Officers

Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce Staff (920.457.9491)
Dee Olsen, Executive Director (ext 2-302)
Denny Moyer, Director of Membership (ext 2-304)
Diane Hackbarth, Information & Workforce Development Coordinator (ext 2-301)
Lisa Hartman, Business Manager (ext 2-303)
Tammy Dickmann-Flunker, Executive Assistant (ext 2-305)
John Rogers, Business Development Directors (ext 2-307)

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Welcome These New Members

Lakeshore Rejuvenation
507 Washington Court; Sheboygan, WI 53081
William Strand
920-458-8000
www.lakeshorerejuvenation.com
Lakeshore Rejuvenation is a wholistic wellness center located in the beautiful historic Blackstock House. Offerings include yoga, massage, reiki, events, sauna, and healthy café.

Linda Laun
422 E. Rhine Street #3
P. O. Box 382; Elkhart Lake, WI 53020
920-876-3173
Individual membership.

McGinley & Baker
530 South Pier Drive; Sheboygan, WI 53081
Robert DerHammer
920-783-3055
www.mcginley-baker.com
Flowers and gifts for every day and that special day. We assist in planning and designing your wedding from inception to reception. Fresh and permanent arrangements for festive and solemn occasions. Interactive customer services of quality and distinction.

Wisconsin Naval Ship Association (WINSA)
406 Clement Avenue; Sheboygan, WI 53081
Eldon Burg
920-458-1200
www.ussedson.net
WINSA's goal is to preserve the Naval destroyer USS Edson for future generations to enjoy and bring her to Sheboygan, WI. The Edson will serve as a veteran’s museum and as an educational site for young Americans. It will also provide a significant tourism attraction.

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Photos

THE ART OF CONNECTING. The summer set of Chamber Business Connections got off to a great start. Top, Steve Stauber, Community Bank; Jerry Baltus, Baltus Group; Paul Kuplic, Community Bank & Trust; and Jane Seipel, Burkart-Heisdorf Insurance, chat at the Sleep Inn & Suites' Business Connections. Above, Art, left, and Bob Imig prepare to start giving out raffle prizes at the Art Imig Clothiers' Business Connections at the Shops at Woodlake.

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August Chamber Events

August 1
Sheboygan Area Safety Council Golf Outing
Quit Qui Oc Golf Course

August 3
First Friday Forum
12-1:15pm at CityStreets Riverside Restaurant
$10 for lunch
Topic: State Budget Update & Healthy Wisconsin Information

August 9
Coastal Connections
Power Hour
7-8am or 12-1pm

August 21
Business Connections
Charter Communications at Marc Cinema
5-7pm

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