January 2015

January 2015
Vol. 14 Issue 1
focusing in on
healthcare
1 NewsWave ̻ March 2013
YOUR ENE RGY FUTURE
B E G I N S W I T H P L A N N I N G T O D AY
Electricity powers our world.
Each day, light switches are flipped, computers are powered up
and factories hum with activity. Electricity enables automation,
convenience, productivity and opportunity.
At American Transmission Co., we’re hard at work keeping the
lights on and planning today for how the electric grid of our
future will deliver reliable, affordable and environmentally
responsible power.
Read more at www.atcllc.com/PowerForward
3 NewsWave ̻ March 2013
table of
January 2015
Volume 14, Issue 1
President/CEO
John Casper
Editor, Layout & Advertising
Kari Seefeldt
[email protected]
Cover Photography
Phil Weston, Weston Imaging
Find NewsWave online at
www.oshkoshchamber.com/news.
NewsWave (USPS 020-309) is published bimonthly
at a subscription of $25 by the Oshkosh Chamber of
Commerce, 120 Jackson Street Oshkosh, WI 54901
www.oshkoshchamber.com
Periodical postage paid at Oshkosh, WI.
Postmaster
Send address changes to the
Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce
120 Jackson Street
Oshkosh, WI 54901
Phone (920) 303-2266
Fax (920) 303-2263
www.oshkoshchamber.com
E-mail address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
DEPARTMENTS
5
15
Chairman's Message
Oshkosh Chamber Clips
16 17
21
23 6
9
10
12
Business Briefs
17
Ribbon Cuttings
Ask the Expert
Tax Law Changes
Member Spotlight
EVCO Plastics
23
FEATURES
Focusing in on Healthcare
Q&A with UW Oshkosh Chancellor Andrew Leavitt
Keeping Your New Year's Resolution
Roundin' Up New Business at the 2015 Business Expo
Please pass along or recycle this magazine
The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce is a 5-star
accredited chamber and proud member of the New
North working to serve business and the community.
6
Follow the Oshkosh Chamber...
4 NewsWave ̻ March 2013
20
12
Chairman's Message
Ready for a New Year!
Happy New Year from the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce. 2015 promises to be a great
year for the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, and as your Chairman, it will be my top priority to make certain that your membership in our organization is valuable to you. We have
made great strides over the last couple of years and a new year means a new focus and new
opportunities for the Oshkosh Chamber and its members.
The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce is focused on achieving its goals outlined in our
strategic plan. The five strategic directions to achieve our mission are: economic
development; workforce development; growing the membership of our young professional
organization: Propel; advocacy; and illustrating the value of the Chamber.
Economic development is a vital part of our mission. It’s through the Oshkosh Chamber’s
economic development efforts that help move our community forward. Last year, our team
managed and advanced over 130 active business development, attraction and retention
cases. The Oshkosh Chamber remains the first point of contact for businesses looking to
secure loans, relocate and expand. We provide our members with resources, leadership and
partnership support to succeed in business.
It is critical to our economic growth for us to offer prospective businesses a talented and stable workforce. The Chamber has
collaborated with Oshkosh schools on a number of career exploration programs including an 8th grade career fair, soft skills
training and re-introduced the state’s Youth Apprenticeship program. These experiences will allow students to have the skills
to become tomorrow’s leaders of local businesses and organizations.
Retention of our young professionals promotes economic growth and development for Oshkosh’s future. The Oshkosh
Chamber board of directors strategically determined to make Propel a priority because it is imperative that, as an
organization, we invest in the next generation to ensure the future success of Oshkosh as a community.
As the voice of the business community, the Oshkosh Chamber will continue to be an advocate for business issues on the
local, state and federal level. Last year, we advanced 14 pro-business pieces of legislation that help make the business climate
conducive for growth and job creation.
The Chamber recently rolled out its new marketing campaign called “Championing Value” to show members and the business
community the value we bring to them. You will see ads in our various publications and videos online that provide member
testimonials on what the Chamber does for business.
The Oshkosh Chamber continues to provide members with top quality events to take part in. Coming up, we have two of our
biggest events: Oshkosh Chamber Business Expo and the Economic Outlook Breakfast with Brian Beaulieu. More
information on both events can be found within the magazine. In addition to our top notch signature events, you can look for
great programs like our educational seminars, breakfast briefings and social hubs for information that can be applied
immediately in whatever business you may be in. From social media to health care reform and everything in between, we’ve
got you covered and we want to help you succeed and thrive.
You will notice a few changes regarding our publications this year. The NewsWave magazine will now be printed quarterly
– January, April, July and October. The Member Matters electronic newsletter will be sent to your email at the beginning of
every month instead of bi-monthly. We strongly encouraged you to take the time to read our publications. They provide you
with important business topics, events and member benefits.
As a business organization with more than 100 years of experience of helping the Oshkosh business community, we are
uniquely positioned to help your business grow to the next level. This year, we encourage our members to work with us and
each other to help businesses expand here in Oshkosh. The Oshkosh Chamber is here to help strengthen economic development and the business community. We want you to succeed and the Oshkosh Chamber is here with all the resources you need
to be successful.
Thank you for supporting the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce. We look forward to working with you in 2015.
Mike Floyd
2014-2015 Oshkosh Chamber Chairman of the
Board and President of Continental Girbau
5 NewsWave ̻ March 2013
Story by Kari Seefeldt
focusing in on
healthcare
Healthcare news is everywhere! When you think of an industry that
has experienced the most change over the past few years, healthcare
is at the top of the list. Unlike other industries that have undergone
transformation – banking and travel – healthcare uniquely touches
every single person in the United States.
convenient ways whether that is in a worksite clinic setting, online
through an e-visit or in their home,” said Jeremy Normington-Slay,
president of Mercy Medical Center.
Keeping up with the transformation of healthcare can be tricky for
the consumer and the healthcare provider. Healthcare has become a
much more dynamic industry due to the increase cost pressures, the
demand for increase value, and the rapid retooling driven by
technology and consumer demand.
Generation X and Millennials are two generations that have pushed
healthcare delivery systems to adapt to their changing needs of
providing access to care where and when they want to consume it.
Both of these demographic groups are generally busy with both work
and family commitments and are considered technology-savvy
consumers. Obesity, diabetes and other lifestyle related chronic
disease are driving up demand for more services, too.
The New Reality
Transforming the Delivery of Healthcare
The new reality in healthcare is that consumerism is here . More
choices and more information means patients have more at stake, and
they are demanding more from healthcare providers. More and more
hospitals and physicians are taking note and tweaking the way they
provide care to serve these better informed patients. Consumers are
now “shopping” for healthcare as websites and mobile apps are
making it easier for patients to get more healthcare information.
“We are seeing consumers who want to more actively partner with
care providers in managing their care. They have expectations of how,
when and where they want to access healthcare. So, we are finding
new opportunities to meet consumers’ needs in meaningful and
Another opportunity facing healthcare is the move from volumebased to value-based care. This meant that historically healthcare
utilized a hospital-centered model in which physicians and
healthcare organizations were reimbursed for the volume of work
provided such as the number of patients seen and the quantity and
variety of services provided to them. Moving forward, we will be
reimbursed for the outcomes of the care we provide and how well
we are able to manage the overall health of a population. Care will
still be provided in hospitals but increasingly, care will be provided
in non-hospital settings such as outpatient facilities, worksite clinics,
online and through mobile and other digital technology. We are
already seeing this shift take place.
Aurora Medical Center is making sure they demonstrate value every
day. “At Aurora, we quantify and routinely measure value by
clinical outcomes such as fewer inpatient hospitalizations, less
hospital readmissions and better clinical management of chronic
conditions; and by patient satisfaction through access care, service
quality and affordability,” said Jeff Bard, president of Aurora Health
Care for the Oshkosh/Fond du Lac market.
Mercy Medical Center proudly serves the Oshkosh community with a
history of more than a century of quality care.
2015
6 NewsWave ̻ January
March 2013
With consumers wanting more and healthcare providers focused
on value, they are doing so with limited resources. It is unlikely that
healthcare will ever have more resources to pay for the delivery of
healthcare services. Today, healthcare organizations are incentivized
more than ever to eliminate waste and duplication.
"We are seeing consumers who want to
more actively partner with care providers
in managing their care. They have
expectations of how, when and where they
want to access healthcare."
- Jeremy Normington-Slay, president of Mercy
Medical Center
“We believe that we can redesign care and improve the safety, quality and customer
experience while reducing cost by using our ThedaCare Improvement System
knowledge which we have developed over the past eleven years,” said Dr. Dean
Gruner, president & CEO of ThedaCare. Since ThedaCare‘s lean journey began
more than a decade ago, it has made health care more efficient while better meeting patients’ needs and providing the best quality of care. Overall, ThedaCare’s lean
practices saved an estimated $20 million in those first years.
Healthcare Partnerships
Area Healthcare
Providers
Fact Sheet
www.aurorahealthcare.org
Private, not-for-profit, integrated health care
provider
30 counties, 90 communities
15 hospitals
More than 150 clinics
30,000 caregivers – including, 1,500 employed
physicians
Largest home care organization in Wisconsin
Received the top performing U.S. Health Care
System-6-year Hospital Quality
Incentive Demonstration from CMS, Premier
Quality Initiative
In today’s healthcare industry, you will notice many more partnerships between
healthcare providers. New affiliations among healthcare organizations are at an alltime high, and healthcare providers in our area are embracing the opportunity.
www.affinityhealth.org
It was recently announced that a strategic partnership called abouthealth™ was
formed to provide a new pathway for patients to access healthcare across the state
and region, as well as server as a new care delivery model for the nation. The
healthcare systems include: Aspirus, Aurora Health Care, Bellin Health, Gundersen
Health System, ProHealth Care, ThedaCare and UW Health. All seven
organizations are recognized as leaders in delivering high quality, low cost care.
The partners, who together cover nearly 90 percent of the state’s population, are
leveraging their collective resources and best-in-class practices to improve the
lifetime health of people in the communities they serve in Wisconsin and surrounding areas in the Upper Midwest.
“The “abouthealth” partnership is a terrific example of progress being made to
reform health care, and as the name implies, will favorably position Aurora and
other participating health systems to improve overall population health for the
communities we serve while working together to advance clinical quality, efficiency
and the customer experience. It is truly an exciting development that redefines
how health care organization will partner with one another,” said Bard.
Additionally, the partnerships being formed by Affinity Health System with
Ministry Health Care and Ascension Health have created a transformation in their
ability to enhance clinical quality and find business arrangements to drive down
cost. Affinity, ThedaCare and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin jointly created
Catalpa Health, which is a pediatric behavioral health outpatient provider with
locations in Oshkosh and the Fox Valley. Together, they are better meeting growing
community healthcare needs in a timely manner.
Affordable Care Act
A recent survey by the American College of Healthcare Executives of hospital
CEO’s top issues confronting healthcare revealed that financial challenges and
healthcare reform were on the top of the list.
7 NewsWave ̻ March 2013
Faith based, not-for-profit, community hospital
A part of Ascension and Ministry Health Care, the
largest Catholic health system in the world.
Specialties include emergency/trauma care and
surgical services as well as cardiology, oncology,
orthopedics, intensive care, obstetrics, pediatrics,
behavioral health and neurosurgery.
Home of the Kennedy Center for the Hip and
Knee, a nationally-recognized program for hip
and knee replacement.
A 157 patient beds and more than 300 medical
staff
www.thedacare.org
A community-owned health system consisting of
seven hospitals.
One of the largest employers in NE Wisconsin
with more than 6,800 employees.
ThedaCare is the first member of the Mayo Clinic
Care Network in Wisconsin.
Theda Clark Medical Center is the longest
continuously verified Level II trauma center in
Northeast Wisconsin with 24-hour coverage by
board-certified emergency medical physicians
and specialists.
The Community Health Action Team (or CHAT)
members personally investigate health concerns
for a city, county or region.
With the change in the mix in Congress, many employers have
become concerned about what changes if any in the ACA might be
coming in the future, and assuming some change what effect then
that might have on their ongoing strategy. Cost, present and future,
is absolutely always a concern and future increases are certainly difficult to predict. Most employers are very concerned about what types
of premium numbers they will need to budget for in the future.
Additionally, in order to keep premium cost down usually
employers increase out of pocket cost to plan participants. One of
the main concerns from an employers’ standpoint is keeping the plan
affordable on both the premium and out of pocket cost aspects.
“Employers realize that in order to attract and retain qualified
employees a robust benefit offering is necessary. How to keep that
both affordable and attractive is the seemingly endless balancing act
that employers are engaged in,” said David Brand, account executive,
Valley Insurance Associates.
Aurora's Emergency Department staff is board-certified,
residency-trained emergency medicine physicians dedicated to
delivering comprehensive, personal care.
“It is not surprising that financial challenges and health reform are on
the minds of hospital CEOs,” says Deborah J. Bowen, FACHE, CAE,
president and CEO of ACHE. “In addition, both government mandates and patient safety remain top priorities as CEOs and leadership
teams work hard to improve patient care and redesign care delivery as
they face a challenging reimbursement climate.
President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law
March, 23, 2010. The goal of the ACA is to provider Americans with
better health security by putting in place comprehensive health
insurance reforms that will: expand coverage, hold insurance
companies accountable, lower health care costs, guarantee more
choice; and enhance the quality of care for all Americans. As of
May 2014, approximately 20 million Americans had gained health
insurance coverage under the ACA, and the percentage of uninsured
Americans dropped from 18% in 2013 to 13.4% in May 2014.
Winning Healthcare Systems
In an article published in Modern Healthcare, Dr. Nick Turkal,
president and CEO of Aurora Health Care said, “if I had to predict
what a winning healthcare system will look like in the future, I’d
go with these markers: patient-centered care; enough capacity in
the system to manage populations; outstanding customer service;
meaningful integration of clinical and electronic health-record systems; smarter care designs, easy access care; and solid relationships
between providers and payers, government and academics.”
Only time will tell what the future holds for healthcare. It will
continue to have its ups and downs like any industry. However, one
thing to remember is that healthcare has made great strides
throughout the year. Residents in Oshkosh are lucky to have three
top-notch health care systems right in their back yard – Aurora
Health Care, Mercy Medical Center, and ThedaCare.
“I think a major benefit of the ACA is that we are talking about
healthcare. It is a topic of discussion at the workplace, in the coffee
shops and around the dinner tables. Healthcare can be extremely
complex and challenging to navigate as a consumer. The more we talk
about the blessings and benefits of healthcare, along with the
challenges and opportunities, the better we will be,” said
Normington-Slay.
Healthcare from an Employer’s View
As the healthcare industry transforms, employers are attempting to
become as informed as possible in a very fluid environment.
Employers are relying more and more on the broker community to
keep them up to date on deadlines and changes.
January2013
2015
8 NewsWave ̻ March
ThedaCare consistently ranks at the top for the quality of care and the
positive health outcomes for its patients.
Q&A with
UW Oshkosh Chancellor
Andrew Leavitt
Dr. Andrew J. Leavitt became the 11th chancellor of the University of
Wisconsin Oshkosh on November 1, 2014. Dr. Leavitt rose through the
academic ranks to become a professor of chemistry, awarded several
teaching awards, and directed an externally funded research program.
Dr. Leavitt received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with minors in
physics and mathematics from the University of Arizona in Tucson. He
earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Utah in Salt Lake
City.
need to make sure
we are maximizing
the use of those
funds for the
benefit of our
students. Moving
forward, there will need to be a heighted sense of the need for
philanthropic support for scholarships and programs.
You moved here from Georgia, are you feeling at home yet
here in the Midwest?
What is your vision for UW Oshkosh and the top priority
for your administration?
The reception my family has received from everyone in Oshkosh and
UW Oshkosh has been just terrific. There is a great sense of public
good here and I’m glad to be a part of it.
What attracted you to UW Oshkosh?
Many things attracted me to UW Oshkosh. A world-class faculty
and staff, great students, and a supportive community were most
appealing. It is not often you have a university of this size and quality
ensconced in the middle of a large and vibrant community.
How will the things you learned in your previous
position as vice president of University Advancement at the
University of North Georgia help you as chancellor at UW
Oshkosh?
In terms of university engagement my new job is not much
different from my old job. I will spend a lot of time in the
community making sure the university is in the best possible position
to serve the region. Chancellor is a very different position in that you
need to be knowledgable about all aspects of the university.
What do you consider the primary strengths and assets of
UW Oshkosh?
UW Oshkosh is a place for innovation in all forms. We have a worldclass faculty and staff who are leaders in teaching and research in the
region, state, and nation. The collective brain power and our
willingness to engage the community propels this university forward.
I am also impressed with the collaborations we have with other
institutions in the Fox Valley Region including Fox Valley Technical
College and our great UW Colleges.
What types of challenges lie ahead for UW Oshkosh and
how will they be addressed?
We have an opportunity to rethink how we do business given the
fiscal challenges in higher education today. With tight resources, we
9 NewsWave ̻ March 2013
My vision is simple. We need to maximize student success.
Participation in higher education in all of its forms is still the best
way to ensure an interesting, productive, and fulfilling life. We must
produce more graduates who are ready to assume leadership roles in
all walks of life in Wisconsin.
UW Oshkosh has seen significant growth over the past few
years, how do you keep that momentum going?
Under the leadership of Chancellor Richard Wells, UW Oshkosh has
distinguished itself as a leading institution in Wisconsin. We must
continue to serve that role as we navigate a more challenging fiscal
environment. Our momentum will be maintained as we find ways
to educate the citizens of this region in a more effective and efficient
way. I have every confidence our university community is up to this
challenge.
How do you plan to establish a strong relationship with
students, staff and the Oshkosh community?
The best way to establish any relationship is to be there. You will see
me either be a part of or participate in many events, activities, and
organizations. I have great respect for the efforts put forth by others
and want to celebrate that.
How would you describe your leadership philosophy?
My leadership style is participatory and reflective. It is important
that I receive diverse input from all involved parties before making a
decision. Reflection is important to ensure the decision is having its
desired outcome.
Anything else that people should know about you?
I am incredibly honored and humbled to be serving as chancellor at
UW Oshkosh. Karen and I look forward to being good citizens of
Oshkosh and the region.
Keeping Your New Year's Resolution
By Molly Butz, Oshkosh Community YMCA
It’s that time of year again; time to make a New Year’s
resolution! A New Year’s resolution is a promise you make
to yourself to start doing something good or stop doing
something bad on the first day of the year. Forty to 45
percent of American adults make one or more resolutions
each year. According to the University of Scranton, Journal
of Clinical Psychology, the top 10 New Year’s Resolutions
for 2014 were:
1) Lose Weight
2) Get Organized
3) Spend Less, Save More
4) Enjoy Life to the Fullest
5) Stay Fit and Healthy
6) Learn Something Exciting
7) Quit Smoking
8) Help Others in their Dreams
9) Fall in Love
10) Spend More Time with Family
The study also revealed that 45 percent of Americans
usually make a New Year’s resolution and only eight percent
are successful in achieving their resolution. Thirty-nine
percent of people in their twenties achieve their resolution
each year, however, only 14 percent of people over the age of
50 achieve resolution success. So how long do resolutions
typically last? The study revealed 75 percent of resolutions
make it through the first week, 71 percent last past two
weeks, 64 percent are maintained through the first month,
and 46 percent are kept past six months.
Author and psychologist Richard Wiseman discovered that
52 percent of resolution-makers were confident they’d achieve
their goals, yet only 12 percent did. Forbes.com came up with
six tools for making realistic resolutions and sticking to them:
1) Get Specific. Make your goal specific with a tangible,
achievable outcome.
2) Write it Down. Write down your goals and the small steps
you’ll need to take in order to achieve them.
3) Make Time. Be sure to set aside time for you to achieve
your goals.
4) Move Past Doubt. Clear your mind of self-sabotaging chatter. Move past any doubt or negative feelings that come about.
5) Get a Partner. Find a friend, group or professional to help
keep you on the path to success.
6) Be Still. You’re more likely to move away from your goals if
you are stressed or overwhelmed. Find time to clear your head
and reconnect with yourself.
It’s difficult to make changes in our lives, especially with busy
schedules, but I truly hope you can find motivation and inspiration to make your health and wellness a priority in the New
Year.
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” - Mark Twain
Meet Your Ambassador
How long have you been an Ambassador?
I have been an ambassador for just over a year.
Why did you choose to become an Ambassador?
My friend, boss, colleague, Nick Behnke, wrangled me in to volunteering my time as an ambassador for starters. Before my current position at SBG Financial, I did not have any community
involvement with my job. Now that I am an ambassador, I enjoy welcoming new businesses and
people in the Oshkosh community where I work and live.
What do you enjoy about being an Ambassador?
I like to be part of a business support group to lean on fellow members. I enjoy meeting new
Chamber members, learning about their businesses and sharing the tools chamber membership
has in helping build individual and business connections.
Brent Tierney
SBG Financial
10 NewsWave ̻ March
January2013
2015
What are the benefits?
The benefits are to meet new members, work with the ambassador support group and get insight
on Chamber and community activities.
Education
High School Students Participate in Career Exploration Activities
Oshkosh North students from the Communities School Program
had the opportunity to experience firsthand the different career
opportunities and related training our local companies and
university has to offer.
Patti Andresen-Shew, the Oshkosh Chamber Education and
Workforce Coordinator along with the freshman counselor from
North conducted career planning sessions with 60
freshmen in the Communities School Program. Students had
the opportunity to learn more about their preferences, skills and
abilities as well as interview different adults about their chosen
careers. Shew facilitated a scavenger hunt based on local
economic development research and employment statistics
provided by the Department of Workforce Development and
FVTC. She explained to students regional market segment and
career trends. Students went online to research careers,
compensation and the training required.
Top: Students learn about manufacturing at Bemis.
Bottom: Students learn about the education opportunities at UW Oshkosh.
Another 60 sophomores from the Communities School Program
boarded buses and explored careers and educational
opportunities related to the Oshkosh Chamber economic growth
study. Thanks to the support of Bemis Corporation and UW
Oshkosh, they were able to tour and learn about the related
manufacturing, engineering and post-secondary education
available.
More career exploration tours are planned for later in the year to
other businesses and Fox Valley Technical College.
Skills to Pay the Bills - Students Participate in Soft Skills Training
The Oshkosh Chamber and Oshkosh Area School District are
partnering on providing training needed for workforce readiness
skills to all eighth grade students in Oshkosh Area
School system.
Patti Andresen-Shew, Education and Workforce Coordinator with the Chamber of Commerce, facilitates these training
sessions and helps the 750 students enrolled, learn the needed
workplace skills. Shew utilizes curriculum developed by the
United States Department of Labor "Skills to Pay the Bills:
Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success," and focuses on
teaching "soft" or workforce readiness skills to youth.
The basic structure of the program is comprised of hands-on,
engaging activities that focus on the following key skill areas:
communication including their digital presence, enthusiasm
and attitude, teamwork including the importance of diversity,
problem solving and critical thinking. The exercises teach crucial
skills they can use now and in future workplaces. According to a
survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and
11 NewsWave ̻ March 2013
Employers “Communication skills are the number one ranked
qualification among job candidates.” Receiving this education is
crucial for the students. Shew emphasizes that practicing these
skills now forms great habits for immediate and long term
success.
The Skills to Pay the Bills program teaches kids vital skills to succeed in the
workplace.
Roundin' Up New Business
2015 Oshkosh Chamber Business Expo presented by Rhyme, January 29
The Oshkosh Chamber Business Expo provides people with networking, sales and updates on the latest trends.
The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce and Rhyme invite
you to “round up new business” at the 2015 Business
Expo. It will be held Thursday, January 29 at the Oshkosh
Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
We invite everyone to attend including small and large
business owners. The Business Expo provides a chance
to network with a variety of businesses that showcase the
latest trends in products and services. Business Expo
exhibitors will decorate their booths to the “Roundin’ Up
New Business" theme. In addition, several seminars on
key business topics like sales, HR, marketing, and leadership will be held throughout the day.
Admission is $5 or your business card until 4:30 p.m.,
admission is $6 for everyone at the start of the Business
After Hours. This Business After Hours features “A Taste
of Oshkosh,” with area restaurants providing their best
hors d’oeuvres and desserts.
New this year is the Innovation Career Conference for
High School Juniors sponsored by Bemis. 250 Oshkosh
students will learn from the experts on what it takes to
succeed in engineering and information technology careers. Students will also take part in a scavenger hunt by
communicating with the exhibitors in the business expo.
The conference will take place from 8:45 a.m. – 12:00
p.m. at the Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel. Attendance is limited to the first 250 students.
For more information on the Business Expo, contact
Devan Strebig at (920) 303-2265, ext. 16.
2015
12 NewsWave ̻ January
March 2013
2015 Business Expo Exhibitors as of
December 16:
2 Impress
4imprint
Adashun Jones Real Estate
Affinity Medical Group Employer Solutions
Amplify Oshkosh
Anytime Fitness
ARC Contracting
Asphalt Seal & Repair
Associated Bank
Bank First National
Bella Vista
Belville Chiropractic
Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel and Convention Center
BMO Harris Bank
Boys and Girls Club
Camera Casino
Candeo Creative
Capital Credit Union
Cellcom
Change Management Communications Center
Chet Westenberg Architect
CitizensFirst Credit Union
Clarity Care
Clean Water Center
Community Blood Center
Concordia University
Cornerstone Processing
EAA
Evergreen
Fletcher Chiropractic
FNB Fox Valley
Fox Valley Staffing
Fox World Travel
FVTC
GFC Leasing
Glacier Dental
Globe University
Group Transportation Services (GTS)
Habitat for Humanity
Hometown Broadcasting
Insight Publications
ITT Tech Institute
Jackson-Kahl Insurance
Keller Inc.
Ki to Health Therapeutic
Kobussen
Lakeside Packaging Plus
Lamers Bus Lines
Life Promotions
Marian University
McVey
Merchant’s Choice Card
Midwest Dental
Munroe Studios
Network Health
New North B2B
Northpoint Medical and Rehab Center
Northwestern Mutual
NTD
Oracular
Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists of Green Bay
Oshkosh Area School District
Oshkosh Area United Bay
Oshkosh Community YMCA
Oshkosh Convention and Visitor’s Bureau
Oshkosh Country Club
Oshkosh Northwestern
Oshkosh Office Systems
Outagamie County Airport
Piranha Paper Shredding
Premier US Cellular
QPS Employment Group
Rasmussen College
Rhyme
Ross Imaging
Sam’s Club
SBG Financial
Schenck SC
SEEK Careers/Staffing
Seniors Helping Seniors
Serwas Window Cleaning
Skipper Bud’s
Southwester Rotary
Stellar Blue Technologies
Sweetwater
The Business News
Time Warner Business
UWO College of Business
Valley Pest Control
Westshore Acupuncture
Winnebago Home Builder’s Association
Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
Educational Seminars
"Online Lead Generation for B2B Marketers"
Wednesday, January 21
Presented by: Larry Stopa, President of E-Power
Marketing
What are the most important B2B Digital Marketing strategies
and tools? How can these methods increase sales? Online
Marketing empowers results-based strategies that will generate
new business. And you can measure which Online Marketing
actions generated that business. This seminar strives to educate
Chamber members on the complexities of multifaceted Online
Marketing by simplifying the strategies and illustrating how they
can come together to really work for your business.
"Breakfast Briefing: HR Workshop Series: Lessons
Learned for the Year Ahead"
Thursday, January 22
Presented by: Davis & Kuelthau's Labor and
Employment Team
Lights, camera, action! While it may not be Hollywood, join
Davis & Kuelthau for our Breakfast Briefing featuring human
resource vignettes. Presented by members of our Labor and
Employment Team, each segment will address real life situations
13 NewsWave ̻ March 2013
that arise with employees in the workplace and provide
implementable takeaways. The employment law issues to be addressed include: FMLA, ADA, WFEA, FLSA, Workers
Compensation Discrimination Issues, Recent case and statutory
laws, and other regulatory developments from the past year.
"Project Mangement Seminar Series Information
Session"
Tuesday, January 27
Presented by: Andy Miller, UW Oshkosh
Are you out of your comfort zone when it comes to project management? This seminar will be a preview of what you will learn
through the Project Management Seminar Series. The series will
follow the Project Management Body of Knowledge, the global
standard for project management. You’ll leave the series will
the tools and the techniques needed to more effectively manage
projects. If this topic interests you, you won’t want to miss this
preview.
All seminars are 7:30-9:00 a.m. at the Oshkosh Chamber.
Register online at www.oshkoshchamber.com
Calendar of Events 2015
business after hours
Tuesday, April 14
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Oshkosh Country Club
11 W. Ripple Avenue
Thursday, January 29
Tuesday, May 19
Oshkosh Convention Center, Business
Expo
2. N. Main Street.
Thursday, February 19
Manila Resto
107 Algoma Blvd.
Thursday, March 12
Sunnyview Expo Center
Host: WHBA Home Show
500 E. County Rd. Y
Anthem Luxury Living
431 Marion Road
Wednesday, June 10
Dockside Tavern
425 Nebraska Street
Wednesday, September 9
Fratello's
1501 Arboretum Drive
Tuesday, October 6
Benvenuto’s
Stein Plaza, 300 South Koeller Street
Wednesday, November 18
Hilton Garden Inn Oshkosh
1355 West 20th Avenue
Tuesday, July 14
Tuesday, December 8
The Ground Round
1 N. Main Street
Wednesday, August 19
Bergstrom
Location: TBD
Horicon Bank
2251 Omro Road
Wednesday, May 13
Thursday, October 15
7:45 - 9:00 a.m.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
1640 South Koeller Street
Tuesday, January 20
Tuesday, June 16
Wednesday, November 11
Tuesday, July 7
Wednesday, December 2
a.m. oshkosh
UW Oshkosh Business Success Center
625 Pearl Ave.
Wednesday, February 11
Caramel Crisp Cafe
200D City Center
Wednesday, March 25
Image 360
347 N. Sawyer Street
Wednesday, April 22
Lakeside Packaging Plus
100 W. Fernau Avenue
4imprint
101 Commerce Street
Fox Valley Savings Bank
1700 West 20th Avenue
Provident Financial Consultants, LLC
2391 Enterprise Drive
House of Flowers
1920 Algoma Blvd.
Paine Art Center
1410 Algoma Boulevard
Wednesday, August 5
Trillium Salon
200H City Center
Tuesday, September 22
Stellar Vision
358 S. Koeller Street
social hub sponsored by candeo creative
7:30 - 8:30 a.m. at the Oshkosh Chamber
January 8: What you need in your 2015 Marketing Plan
February 12: Facebook Marketing
March 12: Selling with LinkedIn
April 9: Instagram Marketing
May 14: Email Marketing
June 11: Public Relations Tactics that Increase Bottom
Line Results
July 9: Running Contests and Promotions with Social
Media
2015
14 NewsWave ̻ January
March 2013
August 13: Pinterest Marketing
September 10: Twitter Marketing
October 8: LinkedIn Marketing
November 12: Marketing with Blogging
December 10: Video Marketing
Social Hub is a monthly marketing seminar series that takes a
hands on approach to crafting your marketing plan. You'll leave
with practical knowledge, actionable to-dos and new knowledge.
Register now!
Chamber Clips
Connect with Thousands of
Businesses
Share Your Good News with the
Chamber
Do you want your ads to be seen by a targeted audience of
local and regional business representatives? Chamber
publications (NewsWave, Member Matters) does that and
more. NewsWave, now a quarterly publication, is sent to
Chamber members throughout the region. The
publication is also available online in an interactive format
that features live links to advertisers’ web sites. Member
Matters is a monthly electronic newsletter. Both
publications cover Chamber news, member news and hot
business topics.
Have a press release you'd like to share? Then you’re in luck
because the Oshkosh Chamber is posting press
releases to its LinkedIn page, free of charge for members.
Press releases pertaining to promotions, awards and new
hires will also be posted to the LinkedIn page, as well as
published in NewsWave or Member Matters.
You also have the opportunity to take part in the Member
2 Member program and web advertising. Take advantage
of these opportunities today. The 2015 Media Kit is now
available online at www.oshkoshchamer.com. For more
information contact Kari Seefeldt at kari@oshkoshchamber.
com or (920) 303-2265, ext. 20.
Please send press releases/event notes to Kari Seefeldt at
[email protected].
Attract Customers through the
Oshkosh Chamber & Shop Local
Oshkosh Mobile App
The Oshkosh Chamber & Shop Local Oshkosh Mobile App
is now available! Get your spot on the app today! Special
Chamber pricing is only $20/mo.
What you get:
Business Directory Listing
Logo
Business Description
Coupons
Menu
Website Links
Links to social media pages
What are the benefits of using our
mobile app vs your own?
Why be on an app at all? In 2014, an
average of demographics, 78% of
people have smartphones and statistics
are
showing that over 50% of those people
use their phone every day to search for
local business information! Make sure
your
business can be found easily.
Call Shop Local Oshkosh today to get
started at (920) 470-7438
15 NewsWave ̻ March 2013
Business Briefs
CliftonLarsonAllen is pleased to announce career milestones
for 3 of our professionals in our Oshkosh office. The following
individuals have been promoted and have new titles:
• James Draxler, Senior Associate, Assurance – employee benefit plans, nonprofit entities, and manufacturing & distribution.
• Robert Zuengler, Senior Associate, Assurance – employee
benefit plans, nonprofit entities, and manufacturing & distribution.
• Christopher Moss, Principal, Wealth Advisory – agribusiness, nonprofit entities, manufacturing & distribution, nonprofit
entities
Omro Pharmacy opened a new location at 328 E. Main Street in
Omro, the building which previously housed the former Horan’s
and Hardees restaurants.
The marketing services department at Fox Valley Technical College received two gold medal awards for its magazine, Focus, and
for the college’s website from the District 3 National Council for
Marketing and Public Relations.
January2013
2015
16 NewsWave ̻ March
Rhyme has been selected as a 2014 Elite Dealer by ENX Magazine
and The Week in Imaging!
Seven of the state's leading health care systems – Aspirus, Aurora
Health Care, Bellin Health, Gundersen Health System, ProHealth
Care, ThedaCare and UW Health – today announced that their
recently-formed partnership is named abouthealth™. The name
makes a simple and clear statement about why these organizations
have come together – to improve overall population health for the
communities they serve while working together to advance clinical quality, efficiency and the customer experience.
Chamber Members Out & About
Digital Marketing Seminar
Network Health/Oshkosh Chamber
Holiday Parade
Business After Hours at the Waters
Leadership Oshkosh: Public Safety Day
A.M. Oshkosh at Candeo Creative
Trade Show Booth Seminar
Ribbon Cuttings
Friar Tucks
Celebrates 25 Years in Oshkosh
1651 West South Park Avenue
Photo by Kari Seefeldt
A.M. Oshkosh
Tuesday,
January 20
7:45-9:00 a.m.
Business Success
Center
625 Pearl Ave.
Coming up
in february
Wednesday,
February 11
7:45-9:00 a.m.
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT WORKSHOP
Managing Transitions:
Taking Your Business to the Next Level
As a closely-held or family business grows and evolves, it goes through
periods of transition. How you plan for and manage these transitions can
determine your long-term success.
Join the members of Schenck’s Guided Planning for Success team as they
share tips for successfully navigating these transitions and taking your
business to the next level.
JOIN US ON:
January 13 • 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Butte des Morts Country Club • 3600 W Prospect Ave, Appleton
Caramel Crisp Cafe
200D City Center
Register TODAY!
Phone (920) 303-2266
Visit schencksc.com/2014gps for more information and to register, or
call Carla Krisbaher at 920-236-2026.
Online www.oshkoshchamber.com
The cost is $2 per event for
Oshkosh Chamber members.
520 N. Koeller Street, Oshkosh • 920-235-0590 • schencksc.com
18 NewsWave ̻ March 2013
©2014 Schenck sc 12.14
2015 Economic Outlook Breakfast
sponsors
10th annual breakfast, February 10
Seeing the future first. If you could predict tomorrow’s economy
today, you would have a tremendous edge in the marketplace. That’s
the advantage ITR Economics has been offering clients for more
than 60 year's—they offer an informed,
meticulously researched look at the future,
with a 94.7% forecast accuracy rate/plus
specific, actionable strategies for
capitalizing on cyclical opportunities and
dodging economic danger.
Brian Beaulieu, an economist with ITR
Economics, is back again for the 2015
Economic Outlook Breakfast sponsored by
Ganther Construction and
Architecture. Beaulieu will review the
economy in 2014 and look ahead to 2015,
along with providing advice to individuals
and business owners.
The breakfast is Tuesday, February 10th,
7:15 – 9:00 a.m. at the Oshkosh Convention Center. Registration
begins at 7:15 a.m. with breakfast and the presentation to follow. The
Join the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce for our
Introduction to Project
Management Seminar Series
Join UW Oshkosh Senior Lecturer, Andy Miller, as he teaches
people the tools & techniques needed to begin more effectively
managing projects.
Information Session
Tuesday, January 27
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
at the Oshkosh Chamber.
Seminar series dates:
March 3, March 17, April 7, April 21
Register today!
$295 for Oshkosh Chamber Members
$325 for Non-Members
Testimonial from last year’s series participant:
“Andy’s presentations were great. You can tell he has the experience
and truly enjoys teaching the subject.”
For more information and to sign up, contact Kari Seefeldt
at [email protected] or (920) 303-2265, ext. 20.
19 NewsWave ̻ March 2013
cost is $35 per person or $250 for a corporate table of eight.
Reservations are required by February 3 by contacting Kari Seefeldt
(920)303-2265, ext. 20, or [email protected]. Or you can
register online at www.oshkoshchamber.com
Brian Beaulieu has been an economist with
ITR Economics since 1982 and its CEO since
1987. He is also Chief Economist for Vistage
International and TEC, global organizations
comprised of over 13,000 CEO’s. At ITR, Brian
has been engaged in applied research regarding
business cycle trend analysis and the utilization of that research at a practical business
level. For the past 25 years, he has been giving
workshops and seminars across the US and
Canada to thousands of business owners and
executives. Prior to joining the ITR Economics,
Brian was an economist for the US Department of Labor where he worked on the health
care component of the Consumer Price Index. Brian is co-author of the
book, Make Your Move.
New Members
Promote YOUR product
or service at
Smartscript Pharmacy
Pharmacies
4041 State Road 91, Ste. B, Oshkosh
Phone: (844) 476-2781
Contact: Dr. Kasi Ludwig, Pharm.D.
Triple Win Strategies
2480 Security Drive, Oshkosh
Phone: (920) 203-9621
Contact: Ms. Carla E. Raupp
NPHS - Nurse Practitioner Health Services
Healthcare
190 River Island Ct.
Appleton, WI 54914
Phone: (920) 840-8524
Contact: Rachael Cabral-Guevara, Family Nurse
Practitioner
Bank of Oakfield
Financial Institution
103 S. Main St. Oakfield, WI
Phone: (920) 583-3191
Contact: Daniel Barnes
Choose The
Questions? Contact Devan at (920) 303-2265, ext. 16
Leader
We Sold
5x More
*
Coldwell Banker
The Real Estate Group
...compared to only 505 residential listings sold
by our nearest competitor
505
479
457
401
364
Century 21
Acre Realty
Resource One
Realty
First Weber
Group
Adashun
Jones, Inc.
Mark D. Olejniczak
Realty, Inc.
* Based on 1/2013-12/2013 statistics covering RANW MLS Listings in Areas #1, #2, #3, #4:
Brown Co., Shawano Co., Marinette Co., Oconto Co., Door Co., Menominee Co., Kewaunee Co.,
NW of RANW Area, Outagamie Co., Waupaca Co., Portage Co., Marathon Co., Manitowoc Co.,
Green Lake Co., Waushara Co., Marquette Co., Adams Co., FDL Co., Sheboygan Co., portions of
Calumet Co., portions of Winnebago Co., S. of RANW Areas.
“This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the REALTORS® Association of Northeast Wisconsin or its MLS. Neither the Association nor its MLS guarantees or is in
any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the Association or its MLS may not
reflect all real estate activity in the market.”
What you need to bring?
Business Cards, Brochures,
Promotional Items
No Need to Register - just show up!
Let Us Sell Your Home
2,869
Second Tuesday of Every Month
at the Oshkosh Chamber
2220 Omro Road, Oshkosh
(920) 235-5757 | (800) 236-1550
www.ColdwellHomes.com
Oshkosh Chamber earns highest level of distinction
Ater a comprehensive self-review,
the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has
awarded the Oshkosh Chamber with the
highest level of distinction – the 5-Star
Accreditation.
“Accreditation validates a chamber as
having programs that benefits its local
economy and positively influences its
community,” said Raymond P. Towle,
executive director of Political Affairs
and Federation Relations. “We applaud
the Oshkosh Chamber for advancing the
principles of free enterprise.” Many chambers
employ the Accreditation process as a way to
establish organizational excellence. The Oshkosh
Chamber of Commerce went above and beyond
the minimum standard. Accreditation is one
of the highest honors bestowed on chambers
that support pro-growth and economic policies
at the federal, state and local level. This
distinction honors commitment to helping
advance the principles of free enterprise – the
bedrock of our great nation.
Buying? Selling? Curious what’s
happening in today’s changing
Real Estate Market? My Team
of Experienced Realtors are
here to help with all your real
estate needs. Call us today!
-Andy Beiser, Broker/Owner
You Expect the Best.
We Demand it.
920-582-4011
www.BeiserRealty.com
The only national program recognizing
chambers for their effective organizational
procedures and community involvement,
Accreditation allows us to renew, improve,
and promote sound business practices,
policies, and procedures.
Local chambers are rated Accredited,
3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars. State chambers
are recognized as either Accredited State
Chamber or Accredited State Chamber
with Distinction. The final determination is
made by the Accrediting Board, a
committee of U.S. Chamber board
members and chamber executives
from across the country.
The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce
is a member-centered organization
that is responsive to the needs of
the business community. This 5-Star
designation is a demonstration and
recognition of the leadership and
commitment of our Board of Directors,
staff and the business community.
Ask the Expert
Tax Law Changes
By Amy Bargenquast, The Sullivan Group, LLP
With tax season
upon us, and the
possibility of late tax
legislation changes,
individuals who
want to explore
minimizing their
2014 tax burden and
maximizing their
tax savings should
look to traditional
methods of managing taxable income. By taking certain steps
before 2014 draws to a close, individuals may be able to reduce
the size of their tax bill.
Individual tax rates
For individuals, the 2014 income tax rates remain unchanged:
10, 15, 25, 28, 33, 35, and 39.6 percent. The top tax rate for
qualified capital gains and dividends are also unchanged at 20
percent.
Year-end planning should look at how to avoid spikes in
income, whether capital gains or other income. For higherincome taxpayers you may push capital gains into the 39.6 percent bracket, short-term gains or the 20 percent capital gains
bracket for long-term gains. Proper timing of the recognition
of certain income between 2014 and 2015 may accomplish this
goal.
Affordable Care Act
January 1, 2014 the Patient Protection and Affordable Care
Act requires individuals, unless exempt, to carry minimum
essential health insurance coverage each month or make an
individual shared responsibility payment when filing their tax
return. Individuals buying insurance through the “Marketplace” may be eligible for the premium assistance tax credit to
help offset the cost of coverage.
Net investment Income Tax (NII)
Taxpayers with qualifying income are liable for the 3.8 percent
net investment income tax on unearned income. The threshold
amounts for the NII tax are:
• $250,000 joint returns
• $125,000 married filing separately
• $200,000 single/head of household
Net investment income should be monitored for exposure
to the NII tax. Net investment income includes income from
22 NewsWave ̻ March
January2013
2015
a business in which the taxpayer is a passive participant.
Rental income may also be considered NII unless earned by
a real estate professional.
Taxpayers with potential NII tax liability should consider
keeping income below the above thresholds if possible, by
spreading income out over a number of years, or offsetting
the income with above-the-line deductible losses and itemized deductions.
Additional Medicare Tax
The Additional Medicare Tax increases the employee share
of Medicare tax by an additional .9 percent of covered wages
and self-employment income in excess of certain threshold
amounts. Individuals who are subject to this additional tax
should verify that their employers have properly withheld
the additional tax.
Tax Extenders Currently Under Lame-Duck
Congress Review
Under current tax law, the individual/business tax extenders are unavailable for 2014 and subsequent years, unless
extended by Congress. The fate of the tax extenders is the
highest profile tax item on the lame-duck agenda. The tax
extenders are waiting for possible action before year-end.
Some of the expiring provisions include:
• State/local sales tax deduction
• Special mortgage debt forgiveness provisions
• Higher education tuition deduction
• IRA distributions to charities
• Teachers’ classroom expense deduction
• 50 percent bonus depreciation
• Finally, the section 179 business expensing
limitation was reduced from $500,000 back to $25,000
We continue to live in uncertain times, and life itself brings
countless changes, such as an increase or reduction of
income, birth of a child, death of a spouse, etc. In 2014, this
uncertainty is magnified once again by the unknown fate
of countless tax provisions on which taxpayers have relied
on in recent years. Making plans now to accelerate certain
income, defer specific deductions, realize capital gains,
and take advantage of current gift tax rules are some of the
strategies that might fit your situation. Remember, in order
to take advantage, make sure you seek advice sooner rather
than later….because by the time the ball drops in Times
Square the opportunity to plan for 2014 is lost for good.
Member Spotlight
EVCO Plastics
490 W. Ripple Ave.
Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901
www.evcoplastics.com
When you think about EVCO Plastics one word should
come to mind – innovation. EVCO Plastics believes true
success comes from forming an idea or invention into a
good or service that creates value for the customer.
Since Don Evans opened the first facility in 1964, EVCO
Plastics has seen a tremendous amount of growth. Today,
50 years later, EVCO Plastics is a leading plastic manufacturing company, with nine manufacturing facilities strategically located around the world. With its 9 facilities and
over 1,000 employees, EVCO Plastics continues its growing
power in custom injection molding using their state-of-theart facilities to provide only the highest quality products.
“The past 50 years has brought about incredible changes
and exciting opportunities within the plastics mold-making
industry,” says Dale Evans, president of EVCO Plastics.
“With a well-seasoned staff and a commitment to continuing education, we bring something new to the table every
time we meet with customers. This innovation has been the
lifeblood for our growth over the last half-century.”
23 NewsWave ̻ March 2013
In 1976, EVCO Plastics opened a mold building and plastic injection molding facility in Oshkosh. EVCO Plastics
provides clients with a large variety of molds. The Oshkosh
location on Ripple Avenue produces the following:
•
Plastic injection molding
•
In-Mold Decorating / Labeling (IML)
•
Molded-in color
•
Overmolding
•
Insert molding
•
Gas assist molding
•
Integrated operations
•
Stack molds
•
Robotics & Automation
•
Large part molding
•
Complex plastic parts & assemblies
•
Metal to plastic conversions
•
Contract manufacturing
“Oshkosh has served EVCO Plastics extremely well. The Fox
Valley region has a great labor pool. We have not had a problem recruiting manufacturing workers out of the Fox Valley,”
said Spencer Wright, Oshkosh Plant Manager.
EVCO is committed to its customers and the business community. The company has been an Oshkosh Chamber member since 1987. “Being a large employer in the Oshkosh Area,
we believe it is crucial to stay connected to Oshkosh community. Dales Evans, our president, always says that every
business is a people business,” said Wright.
The future is looking bright for EVCO Plastics. Wright says
EVCO is planning for a 30,000 square foot expansion to the
Oshkosh location in spring of 2015.
Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce
120 Jackson Street
Oshkosh, WI 54901