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In This Issue:
Articles
Governor Doyle Visits Sheboygan County
Leadership Institute Graduates Class
Deliberations
The
Member Ship
Member
Close-Up
Talk
of the Town
Board
of Directors
Welcome
These New Members
First
Friday Forum
Photos
July Events
Inserts
May Box Score
Coastal Connections
Aurora
Business Link
Business Connections
Status Report
Flu Pandemic |
Governor Doyle Visits Sheboygan County
Kohler, USGA Announce Flag Day Gift to Troops
Active military personnel who attend the US Senior Open will be admitted free of charge, Gov. Jim Doyle announced at a press conference at Whistling Straits.
Moreover, on July 4, the final day of practice rounds, military personnel and their families will be admitted free of charge.
Appropriately, Gov. Doyle made the announcement on Flag Day, June 14.
"We view this as a statement of commitment to our military personnel and their families from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, Kohler Co. and the USGA," Doyle said.
Gov. Doyle, Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Kelli Trumble, and Maj. Gen. Al Wilkening, head of the Wisconsin National Guard, were on hand for the press conference along with Kohler personnel, Alice Edland and Scott Silvestri.
The Governor concluded his visit to the area with a stop at J. L. French Corp, where he presented a check for $1.6 million to Jack Falcon, J.L. French CEO and Tim Kellner, VP of Human Resources. The check represents state support for a company expansion which will lead to the creation of 100 additional jobs.
Kohler Co. Photo
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Leadership Institute Graduates Class
 
The Class of 2006-07 of the Sheboygan County Leadership Institute gathered for graduation festivities at The Villager on Thursday, May 17th. Earlier in the day, the group helped with "spring cleaning" at Maywood Environmental Park.
Members of the class are: David Augustin, St. Nicholas Hospital, Marsha Binder, Sheboygan County Home Builders, Pat Henderson, Ryan Herber, Cardinal Environmental, Jennifer Heus, Sheboygan Area School District; Cathy Juhasz, Thomas Products, Lynn Justinger, RCS, Barry Kreft, Shorewest United Realtors, David LaDuke, Community Bank and Trust, Christina Leicht, Kohler Credit Union; Al Mayer, Wells Fargo, Julia Nash, Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department, Don Pieters, St. Nicholas Hospital, Rebecca Polar, Lakeshore Technical College, Angela Radl, Nemschoff Chairs;
Tony Resimius, Rohde Dales LLP, Craig Roever, Johnson Bank, Nicole Sondalle, Sheboygan Area School District, Jamie Splivalo, M & I Bank, Joy Stroessner, H.C. Denison Company;
Mike Williams, Sheboygan Police Department, and Bruce Wisnefske, Sargento Foods.
Call Diane at 920.457.9491 ext 2-301 to find out how you can be part of the 2007-2008 class of graduates.
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Overall, there is good news for the Sheboygan County business community. The Chamber’s newest initiatives are all in various stages of development as we continue to move forward. The Business Assistance Committee is focusing on implementing a new, much more sophisticated Business Retention and Expansion survey and evaluation process through Executive Pulse. We are just completing the organization of the new BR&E Committee. Executive Pulse is an online software program that will retain all the confidential data collected and serve as a management tool for outcomes from the surveys. The uniqueness of this program is that we will be able to draw comparatives with other participating counties throughout the 16 county Northeast Wisconsin Regional Economic Partners district. In addition, we will be able to extract a variety of reports on a community basis as well. While our past BR&E surveys had limited us to about 40-45 contacts, we can now expand the program and meet with 150-200 companies each year. This will provide a richer understanding of Sheboygan County company needs; their desires and issues to further develop their operations here.
The Chamber's Business Attraction Committee is working on spearheading a meeting of key players, particularly government leaders and economic development professionals and partners, to discuss how to enrich countywide communication and interaction to the benefit of future job growth and strengthening of the area economy. Early interest in this effort has been favorable. A forerunner to this was a City of Sheboygan Industrial Business Dialogue held at UW-Sheboygan, Acuity Technology Center, in mid-June.
The Data Resource and Management Committee is communicating with the Society for Human Resource Management to collaborate on a Sheboygan County Wage and Benefit Survey. Entrepreneurship remains a focas area as well. Kristen Bell Abell, with the LTC Entrepreneur Center is providing new business counseling at the Chamber office as is SCORE Counseling. This type of business assistance is extremely valuable. I would remind members that the counseling is available for more than just new business start-ups. Counselors will assist with business growth initiatives, market changes, or other product development efforts on the part of your company.
The Chamber will soon announce the fulfillment of a new position, the Business Development Director. The new Director will help develop many of the aforementioned efforts in addition to several other programs and projects the Chamber will develop in the upcoming months.
Congratulations to all county-wide tourism partners for the role they have played in helping Sheboygan County reach an outstanding result with the announcement of 2006 tourism growth information. Sheboygan County has now springboarded to an 8th place ranking among the 72 counties, and has a $345,120,000 economic impact. Let's see what we can do in 2007. Oh, by the way, we have another little event called the U.S. Senior Open Championship here July 2-8, 2007.
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Member
Close-Up
RLO Sign: Growing for 20 Years
It started as kind of a part time thing.
While working his farm in the Oostburg area, Roger Ostermann was also working for a national sign company.
"Enough of that," said Roger in 1987 and with his one bucket truck, he started RLO Sign, a sign service and install company, out of his home.
But not totally "enough." One must not be too hasty, so Roger continued to keep his farm in operation while working his new company.
While caution is a good thing, it proved not totally necessary in this instance as RLO Sign grew. More people were requesting signs. Still more. The farming was put on hold and the one bucket truck company rented a shop of approximately 2,000 square feet and hired two full time employees, one for sign design and production and the other to help with fabrication and installation.
The growth continued as calls and workload multiplied. Additional staff was added, another truck was purchased, a larger building was rented.
RLO incorporated in 1993.
Still RLO continues to grow. The workload required more staff increases, bigger crane trucks, and an even larger production area was necessary.
RLO moved to its current location at 1030 Ontario Avenue in Sheboygan and is renting space in another building as it tries to keep pace with growth.
The staff was bumped up to its current level of 13.
The members of the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce congratulate Roger Ostermann and the RLO staff for 20 years of service to customers large and small throughout Wisconsin.
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Talk of the Town
A new “plug & play” Signal Mirror kit from Muth Mirror Systems is available. www.muthco.com for more info.
M&I Bank, 2109 North Ave, Sheboygan is hosting a Better Business Bureau Torch Award Workshop. July 11, 8-9am. RSVP to: JoEllen Wollangk 920-734-4352.
A.C.E. Building Service employee Todd Gorter celebrated his 10-year anniversary with the company.
Marian College's Adult Accelerated Program (MAAP) will host information sessions on July 19 and August 6 from 4-6pm at the Sheboygan County Job Center. Classes also available in Plymouth at Sargento Foods. For info 1-800-262-7426, ext. 8123.
Keller, Inc., will design and build a 7,000 Sq. Ft. Warehouse in Fond du Lac. They also welcome the addition of Curtis Gerrits to its Agricultural Team and Jay Gunderson to its Project Management team.
The Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin has selected Karl Seidl, Maritime Insurance, Sheboygan, as their 2007 Committee Chairman of the Year.
First National Bank, announced today the promotion of Kevin L. Kohlbeck to Agency President and Chief Executive Officer and Mark A. Verhagen, CIC, to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
Jim Pankow, Inc. has done the major renovation at Lighthouse Lubes at 14th & Indiana Ave.
The Space Review has recently had an article on Spaceport Sheboygan. You may read the article at www.thespacereview.com/article/876/1
St. Nicholas Hospital is constructing an ambulatory surgery center on the Hospital campus. It will consist of five surgical groups and on the corner of Taylor Dr. & Saemann Avenue.
The Alzheimer’s Association holds a Family/Caregiver Support Group on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8pm at the Gateway 2 Center in Plymouth. For more info call 920-565-5128.
Orion Energy Systems Compact Modular series has been chosen as the 2007 National Society of Professional Engineers New Product award winner in the Medium Category.
Sheboygan Senior Community welcomes Brent Frederick as the new Director of Human Resources.
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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)
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Welcome These
New Members
Daane's Gibbsville Orchard
N3322 State Hwy. 32; Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085
920-564-2944
Jewel Daane
Our complete orchard offers apples, pears, cherries, plums, unpasturized cider, organic vegetables, cherry juice, caramel apples and a variety of specialty items.
The Highlands Sportsman's Club
N3041 County Road A; Cascade, WI 53011
Steve Cherne
www.thehighlandsclub.com
A private hunt club for the discerning sportsman. From early May to Sept. 30, we are a clay target shooting destination, open to the public, with 50-bird sporting clays, 5-stand sporting, make-a-break, a new flurry and learning center. Skeet and doubles trap coming soon.
Lehmann Photo Art & Design
231 Edgewater Rd.; Sheboygan, WI 53081
920-452-4469
Lisa A. Lehmann
Photographic art featuring Sheboygan County scenes customized with your logo on bookmarks, note cards, calendars and more. Also experienced in panoramic photography for virtual tours on your website. Her design talents include company logos, websites and marketing materials. As a former radio announcer, Lisa can provide voiceovers for your radio commercials and in-house audio/visual productions.
Olivu 426
511 N. 8th Street; Sheboygan, WI 53081
920-783-8089
Caitlin Brotz
We aim to bring you the freshest skin beautifying ingredients from around the world. The fun begins when you design your custom beauty products to fit your specific needs. From colors to textures to fragrance, the combinations are endless. Preservative and alcohol free.
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First Friday Forums
The June First Friday Forum topic was “The State Budget.” Representatives Steven Kestell (R) and Pedro Colon (D) gave an overview on the Governor’s budget propsal and the process the proposal goes through before it gets signed.
At the time Joint Finance Committee (both of the First Friday Forum speakers are on that committee) was looking over the proposed budget line items and voting. There are 8 people from the Republication side and 8 from the Democratic side on the Committee. If the vote is 8 to 8 the Governor’s proposal wins. They need 9 votes to vote against or for a line item of the Governor’s propsal.
Both speakers said that the Governor’s proposal has both strengths and weaknesses. It will take time and patience to get through this process but both said they have a good working relationship as well as more agreement than disagreement.
A brief question and answer period followed.
The Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce also handed out a "Status Report" that was compiled by the Chamber's Government & Public Policy Committee. The Status Report shows how the local legislators feel on topics important to business. Attorney David Gass promised to do more Status Reports for our members. Enclosed in this newsletter is a copy of that report. If you have any questions or comments please let us know.
A Special Friday Forum was held June 22. The August Forum will be held on Friday, August 3 from 12-1:15pm. The program, held at CityStreets Riverside Restaurant. The cost is $10 for lunch. Please call 920.457.9491 ext 2305 or e-mail dickmann@sheboygan.org if you are interested in signing up or if you have any questions.
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Photos
MAGNIFICENT, IMPRESSIVE, and, yes, awesome were among the words used to describe the imposing new Kohler.Power tunnel at Road America. President of the Kohler Co. Global Power Group Dick Fotsch had the honor of cutting the ribbon at the dedication ceremony that was part of the AMA Suzuki Superbike doubleheader weekend on June 1. On hand for the occasion were Kohler officials Rod Lee, Rich Koehl, Jason Keller, Lori Wertschnig, Curt Scheppmann and driver Jeff Miller along with the Sheboygan County Ambassadors and Road America officials.
IT IS OFFICIAL. Hopp Neumann Humke LLP is now O'Neil Cannon Hollman DeJong. Sheboygan's landmark law firm has joined forces with the Milwaukee firm. The move, which occasioned a celebratory breakfast at Pine Hills June 7, increases the resources of the firm dramatically. Sheboygan Mayor Juan Perez and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett discussed the merger and its affect on helping unite what Mayor Barrett called the two "Fresh Belt" communities. "Forget 'Frost Belt' and 'Rust Belt'," Barrett said. "We share the greatest fresh water resource in the world. Let's take advantage of that." From left are Jim DeJong, President of OCHD; Mayor Perez; Mike Bauer, Managing Attorney of the Sheboygan office of OCHD; and Mayor Barrett.
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July Chamber Events
July 12
Coastal Connections Networking
5:30pm at Urbane
July 18
Coastal Connections at the Ballpark
5:30pm
(game at 7:30pm)
$6 member, $12 non-member, $3 for kids.
July 19
Business Connections
5-7pm at Z-Spot
August 3
First Friday Forum
12-1:15pm at CityStreets Riverside Restaurant
$10 for lunch
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