September 2007 ~ Issue 210

The Chamber Ambassadors report 2007's golf outing is coming together nicely.
Well over 200 golfers are ready to tee it up.

Twenty hole and game sponsors are committed.

Auction, raffle & door prizes are beginning to come in.

And most importantly, Dave Bachmann and his staff at The Bull at Pinehurst Farms are guaranteeing perfect weather. Well, maybe not guaranteeing, but certainly predicting. Well, maybe not predicting either, but certainly hoping.

While tee times, except for some late nine-hole opportunities, are filled, members are encouraged to join the golfers for the fun and camaraderie at the evening dinner which will be served between 6 and 7 p.m. Cost for dinner which includes a contribution to the scholarship program, is $35.00. Call the Chamber for reservations, 920-457-9491.

Committed to sponsorship do date are Alliant Energy/Wisconsin Public Service, Charter Communication, Children's Hospital, Fox Travel, Great Lakes Staffing, Habush Habush & Rottier, Home Review Inspection Service, Kris' Cheese to Please, Countrywide Home Loans, Liberty Mutual, Marian College, Maritime Insurance, M & I Bank, Jim Pankow, Inc., Sargento Foods, Shorewest Realtors, Town & Country Electric, Veolia Environmental, UW Foundation and Wells Fargo.

Last year's champions are asked to return their traveling awards to the Chamber office.

The committee is still accepting prizes and members interested in donating prizes can either bring them to the Chamber office or call the Chamber for pick-up.

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First Friday Forums

First Friday Forum Designed For Members

The Government and Public Policy Committee meets monthly and strives to bring timely, important information to you, a member of the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce. As you know, it is important that we have strong attendance at these meetings. Summer attendance always seems to drop modestly, but we felt you should hear from our members:

“I have been impressed with many facets of the Sheboygan Chamber's First Friday Forum:
· A variety of excellent and informative speakers have spoken about topics that are relevant to the community.
· The format allows (and even encourages) questions from the audience.
· Those in attendance have input on topics at future forums.
· In addition to the excellent topics, there is plenty of opportunity for networking
· The forums end promptly by 1:15 (although there is time for individual questions afterwards).
I would like to commend the Chamber for implementing this program, and look forward to attending many more in the future.”
Mike Schmidt
Vice President Business Development Community & Government Relations
Kohler Credit Union

"It is impossible to overstate the impact that all forms of government; local, state and federal, have on the success or failure of every Sheboygan County business. An essential aspect of sound business planning is to be aware of the proposed actions of each government body. The best way that I know to keep abreast of future public policy changes is to regularly attend the Chamber's First Friday Forums."
Ken Conger
Sheboygan County Board of Supervisors
Dist. 18

"Increasingly, public policy is shaped and influenced by those with access and information. Knowing the details and proponents of public policy initiatives is critical to evaluating the worth of such initiatives. The County Chamber's First Friday Forums are an excellent means by which to gain that knowledge in order to make informed decisions on such initiatives."
Attorney David Gass
Rohde Dales LLC

We couldn't have said it any better. For details on signing up for the First Friday Forum Series, contact Tammy at dickmann@sheboygan.org or 920-457-9491 x-2305.

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Submit Visitors Guide Ads, Listings Now

Chamber members interested in having a presence in the 2008 Sheboygan County Visitors Guide - either a paragraph listing or a display ad - should submit their contracts, or contact the Chamber if they have not received a contract.

Deadline for contracts is Sept. 28 and materials must be submitted by Oct. 19.

Fifty-word paragraph listings can be placed in one of the following sections: dining, lodging, recreation, shopping or visitors services. Cost for a 50-word listing is $165 although Chamber members may take a 15% discount.

Display advertising begins at $320 for a 1/12 page ad.

Organizations are invited to send in dates of their major events, provided they are of interest to visitors and to the community, and a description of the event.

Persons who have new photography of people enjoying the attractions of the area are welcome to submit it. Email to moyer@sheboygan.org but make certain you include a description of where the photo was taken. If any people are identifiable on the picture, a release signed by them must be mailed to the Chamber.

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What's happening at the Chamber? That's the question of choice when people run into me out in public. It's hard to answer, because there is always so much going on. Where do I start! We can talk about what is facing us that month, such as the Golf Outing, the Leadership Institute, Board meetings, programs, Business Connections, Chamber Briefcase, First Friday Forum, and the major projects we are working on, in addition to the many monthly meetings. I could talk about the outside forces impacting businesses, such as legislation, economic impacts, the ebb and flow of the economy. Still in addition to all that, we work on plans and new developments, consideration for future initiatives that align with the Chamber strategic plan, and of course taking care of all the daily contacts.

It's always tough to answer that question because the response is lengthy and deeper than most folks want to know. But what is important for our members to know is that we live our mission every single day. We Mean Business! We are here to work for and to help our businesses. We are always conscientious about the ways and means in which we service the members, many times without their direct knowledge of us doing so. But in the end that is what they expect. And that is what they get.

What is relevant?
>When we develop programs, events and seminars it is with the members in mind.
>When we sell and redeem Chamber Cash, it is with the members in mind.
>When we answer the phone to handle the questions about business and our members, it is for the benefit of the members.
>When we assist a new business start up, it is with the overall development of the communities' economic base that will fuel all businesses that we have in mind.
>When we provide testimony at public hearings regarding the impact on the business community in Sheboygan County, it is with the best interests of our members at heart.
>When we fill a vehicle and deliver County literature, i.e., the Visitors Guide, it is to help get the word out on Chamber members.
>When we sit through a long meeting making various decisions, it is to the benefit of our members.

Well, you get the general idea. We are here for you. Let us know when we can help you directly; but always know that we are here working for you indirectly. That's what makes us unique. That's what makes us successful. Enjoy the brief balance of summer and I hope to see you at future Chamber events.

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We're Just Not Getting Anything Out of It

Whenever Lisa, the Chamber's crack business manager, bookkeeper, tech supporter and light bulb changer, sends out membership invoices a predictable few will call in to cancel.

Many times their reason for dropping is "we're just not getting anything out of it."
There may be a legitimate reason for dropping membership, but "we're just not getting anything out of it," is not it.

Thousands upon thousands of referrals are made to member businesses from the Chamber's website every month. People who need goods and services are looking to the Chamber website to fill their needs. Why? Because they have confidence in those businesses who associate themselves with the Chamber of Commerce, Sheboygan County's largest business organization. So while you are going about doing your business, the Chamber is going about getting business for you to do.
That's one thing they are "getting out of it." Think about that if you're ever thinking about dropping your membership.

Another frequently cited reason is "we've had to take it out of our budget."
The owner of an apartment complex recently called to cancel. Does that owner know that his complex is part of our newcomers' packet that is used by most County human resource people as they recruit personnel? Can an apartment complex afford not to be a part of the newcomers' packet?

Can businesses not afford to strengthen relationships through Business Connections, Coastal Connections, the golf outing, the annual dinner?

Can businesses not afford to take advantage of business builders like Chamber Cash, listing in the Membership Directory and Buyer's Guide, and presence in the Chamber newsletter via ads, inserts and updates in "Talk of the Town?"

Can businesses not afford to be informed of local and state legislative, environmental and transportation issues?

So if you ever consider dropping your membership, ask yourself these "not afford" questions and then send in your membership fee.

See you at the golf outing. You certainly can "not afford" to miss that!

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Guest Column:

Project GRILL

Manufacturing jobs are the infrastructure of our state and our communities. Nearly 40% of the jobs in Sheboygan County are manufacturing jobs. In order to continue to grow as a community and state, we need to guarantee manufacturing companies an appropriate atmosphere in which to thrive. One element of that atmosphere is an able and educated workforce. But, how do we develop interest in manufacturing jobs when funding for tech ed is being cut from schools and manufacturing jobs are requiring more advanced skill sets? Welcome to Project GRILL.

Beginning this September, six high schools paired with six manufacturing companies in Sheboygan County will embark on a project to design and build six custom grills from scratch. This program is called Project GRILL; standing for Growing Readiness In Learning and Leading. The mission of Project GRILL is to improve the image of manufacturing through exposing our community, educators, students, and parents to the diverse career opportunities within Sheboygan County. Ultimately, working towards creating an expansive workforce to sustain the success we are cultivating today. By pairing large manufacturers with high school students, we will build excitement about the variety of career options within the field of manufacturing, as well as provide mentors for the students.

Project GRILL will allow students to explore and experience 30 weeks of hands-on academic and technical competencies associated with multiple engineering and manufacturing skill sets. The students will experience the full range of production from project management, design and fabrication to finishing, assembly, quality, and testing.

The '07-'08 Head Chefs and participating High Schools are:
Johnsonville & Sheboygan Falls High School
Masters Gallery & Random Lake High School
Nemschoff & Sheboygan North High School
Pentair & Riverview Academy
Rockline & Oostburg High School
Sargento & Plymouth High School

Additional support for Project GRILL is courtesy of JL French, Vollrath, LTC and New Manufacturing Alliance.

Project GRILL was officially launched at Brat Days through the display of two prototype grills. Through the coming school year, there will be many events and benchmark updates on the student's progress. The program's capstone will be an unveiling party, which will be held in conjunction with the 9th Annual Road America Family Tailgate Party in May of 2008. We encourage you to stay involved with the program throughout the year. For updates on the program and the six teams working through the '07-'08 school year, visit www.projectgrill.org.

On the Horizon
In the August Business Insights I focused on RETENTION, EXPANSION and ATTRACTION. I am responsible for three committees [Business Attraction, Business Assistance, and Data Research & Management] that will address these essentials to economic development in Sheboygan County. On the horizon are items that should be of interest to you.

New North Summit
The Northeast Wisconsin Economic Opportunity Study was released in 2004. Many contributed to this document and, ultimately, it led to the formation of New North, Inc. Sheboygan County is one of 18 New North counties.

New North's mission is "to harness and promote the region's resources, talents, and creativity for the purpose of sustaining and growing our regional economy." The core value for New North, Inc. is "collaboration." Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce is collaborating with New North, the City of Sheboygan, Blue Harbor and others on what we know will be a significant event - New North's Annual Summit on December 14.

The Summit's guest speaker will be Edward C. Gordon, author of The 2010 Meltdown. Mr. Gordon will present his analysis of "solving the impending job crisis." Numerous employers in Sheboygan County are challenged to find new employees for either growth or to replace retiring workers. Are you one of them? Add the Summit now to your calendar in ink because you will want to attend this event. Look for more Summit information in this newsletter.

Wage and Benefit Surveys
We are working collaboratively with the Sheboygan Area Society for Human Resources Management to develop separate Wage and Benefit Surveys that will enable us to gather data that will show how competitive Sheboygan County employers are with our neighbors. Many ask for this information throughout the year so be alert for it when the surveys arrive. We are planning a news release because this effort is important!

Training, Training, Training
It may not be location, location, location anymore! Keeping your business competitive requires on-going training for you and your employees. With area educators, SCCC is developing programs that will assist both existing businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. In fact, LTC recently announced a Small Business Seminar Series of nine programs. For more information look at www.gotoltc.edu or call me at the Chamber [ext 2307]. More classes are being developed and details will be announced, soon. Our emphasis on training is consistent with what you will hear at the Summit.

Member Close-Up

CityStreets Still on a Roll
In this age of restaurants and their owners coming and going, there are a few in our city who have endured. A few whose reputation, spread most effectively by word of mouth ("we were at a wedding there, it was wonderful," "their luncheon menu is fabulous," "Bill and Pam are super people," "I love their appetizers!" etc., etc.) has kept them thriving.

CityStreets, at 712 Riverfront Drive, is one of those.

It all started in 1986 when Bill and Pam Gottsacker bought Geno's, the restaurant at the top of the US Bank Building, from Gene Korman. They were there five years and then moved the operation to its present location. In essence, they bought into what could be called the first business condo in Sheboygan.

CityStreets has been a Riverfront pillar ever since.

The offerings could best be described as upscale American with fresh fish, steaks and pasta the most popular menu items. They are all touched by what Bill and Pam like to call "creative cooking."

A popular spot for business lunches, the restaurant is open Monday through Friday for lunch. Luncheon entrees start at $6.99. Dinner is served Monday through Thursday to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday to 10 p.m.

Even more popular for banquets and meetings, CityStreets accommodates banquets up to 400 people. They offer a catering service and will open for breakfast gatherings of 50 or more people.

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Talk of the Town

Maritime Insurance Group has announced the addition of Peggy Parsons in the Employee Benefits Division as Account Manager, Allie Brotz as an Account Service Representative in the Employee Benefits Division, and Barbara Vetsch, CISR, as a Customer Service Representative in the Commercial Lines Division.

Watson's Vending and Foodservice has announced the opening of its third distribution center in Wisconsin.

Aurora Health Care has been named one of the Most Wired health care providers for the fourth consecutive year by Hospitals & Health Networks Magazine. Aurora is the only southeastern and Sheboygan area Wisconsin health care system to receive the recognition.

Jim Pankow, Inc. has been awarded a Design/Build Contract with Stoelting & Polar Ware Company.

SEEK Careers/Staffing is pleased to announce the hiring of Sara Pattow, CSP, PHR as their new Vice-President of Operations.

RLO Sign, Inc. is proud to announce that Matthew Lohr has joined the team.
Keller, Inc. was awarded the design and build contract for the new dental office on Highway 42 in Sheboygan.

Joshua Neeb recently was promoted to assistant vice president, commercial banking, at Associated Bank, 1217 N. Taylor Dr. in Sheboygan.

Lakeshore Technical College is offering a “Best Practices for Human Resources Success” seminar series in September and October at the Cleveland campus. To register, call 888-GO-TO-LTC, ext. 1366.

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Expo To Tell Business & Industry Story

Joe thought everyone knew about his manufacturing plant. Because they have been in the Sheboygan County area for 50 years, he felt everyone knew what they made, how they made it and the breadth of their distribution to international countries. Sad to say the people who had a sense of his company was microscopic in nature to the people who live and work in Sheboygan County. Even the families of his employees didn't know what they really did.

As business people we appreciate the importance of networking with other business people, and we realize to attract and retain good employees is to keep our business successful. We have found a way to accentuate that through a new event called Business and Industry Expo.

Businesses that choose to participate will have a booth to demonstrate what products they produce or what services they provide. Employees should bring their family to the event so they can visit the booth and show their spouses and children the business that they work for and what they do.

The Business and Industry Expo will be held at Blue Harbor Conference Center on October 25 and 26. October 25 is designed to be a business-to-business expo, while October 26 is open to the general public and will be fun-filled and educational for all. Raffle tickets can be purchased.

There is no fee to attend the Expo.

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Welcome These New Members

Lakeshore Dog Guard, LLC
P. O. Box 543, Sheboygan, WI 53082-0543
920-917-0910
Mike Stapel
www.dogguard.com
Contact Lakeshore Dog Guard for installation of invisible pet containment systems.

Charles Rhode
1518 N. 3rd St., Sheboygan, WI 53081
920-287-9210
Individual membership.

Thyme Savours
44 Gottfried St., P. O. Box 44, Elkhart Lake, Wi 53020
920-896-3655
Jim Giese
wwwthymesavours.com
Located in Elkhart Lake's renovated feed mill, Thyme Savours serves scratch salads, baked goods, soups and sandwiches. Thyme Savours also serves specialty coffees featuring Cedarburg roastery coffees. We also cater for all functions from corporate lunches to weddings.

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Photos

ASSOCIATED WEALTH MANAGEMENT recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its relocation to 2124 Kohler Memorial Drive, Suite 210. The Chamber Ambassadors joined Associated Financial personnel in the front row beginning second from left, Paulette Ruminski, Theresa Gangaway, Tina Keon and Nicole Dekanich as Senior Benefits Consultant Mardi Burns cuts the ribbon.

OLIVÜ 426 held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of its 511 N. 8th Street store. The blue-coated Chamber Ambassadors joined Olivü personnel in the center from left owner Caitlin Brotz, Sandra Muesegades and Jessica Prange for the ceremony.

RELAXATION AND CONVERSATION were the order of the day at the Chamber's August Business Connections at Z-Spot Espresso & Coffee, 1024 Indiana Avenue.

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September Chamber Events

September 7 First Friday Forum CityStreets Riverside Restaurant $10 per person Topic: Non-Motorized Transportation	September 19 Chamber Briefcase 7-9am The Bull $10 per person Topic: Executive Pulse
September 11 Golf Outing The Bull	September 26 Business Connections Seabird Restaurant 5-7pm
September 13 Coastal Connections Networking 5:30pm The Green Room

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