Vollrath Associates
Vollrath Associates, Mequon, received the Best in Industry award in the human resources category in the 2004 National Association of Investors Corp. (NAIC) Nicholson Awards competition for its 2003 Annual Report to Shareholders. NAIC is a non-profit investment-education organization that evaluates annual reports from an individual investor’s perspective. The NAIC Nicholson Awards program judges reviewed 346 reports for 2003. Annual reports were judged against similar-sized companies within their respective industries and judged on financial reporting, content and design. Other Wisconsin winners in the competition were Oshkosh Truck, Oshkosh and Manitowoc Co., Manitowoc.
Community Memorial Hospital
The Southeastern Wisconsin Association of Occupational Health Nurses (SEWAOHN) awarded Shirley Rosien, occupational health director for Community Memorial Hospital, Menomonee Falls, the 2004 Medique Unique Leader Award. The award represents outstanding service to the organization, a display of exceptional professional performance of responsibilities and an enhancement of occupational health nursing through the nursing practice. Rosien also received the award in 2003.
DeCare Dental Health International LLC
DeCare Dental Health International LLC, Eagan, Minn., is offering its new line of dental benefit products to the Wisconsin market. Securian Dental plans, which are underwritten by Securian Life Insurance Co., a Minnesota Mutual company, target small to mid-size employer groups and can be purchased on an employer-sponsored or voluntary basis. Securian Dental plan purchasers can select from four employer-sponsored and three voluntary indemnity plan options. A minimum of two employees is required to participate in a plan. Each plan design has varying calendar-year maximums and covered services to meet employees’ needs.
Cook & Franke S.C.
William Jennaro of Cook & Franke, S.C., Milwaukee, was selected by the South East Wisconsin Professional Baseball Park District to perform a fairness assessment of the settlement between the district and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of America, as well as other related parties to the litigation between Mitsubishi and the stadium district. Jennaro has served as an arbitrator and mediator in state and federal court proceedings since he retired from the circuit court bench in Milwaukee County. He has also served as a reserve judge on appointment by the Wisconsin Supreme Court and as a special master to the trial courts on complex litigation matters.
Breadsmith Franchising, Inc.
Breadsmith Franchising, Inc., Whitefish Bay, received a second place award in the Graphic Design Distinction category from QSR Magazine and the Foodservice Packaging Institute for its new retail packaging. The new packaging consists of a kraft paper bag with a redesigned brand logo that depicts a wheat shaft. The packaging was designed by Sandy Copp, an in-house graphic designer. Entries for the Graphic Design Distinction award were judged on use of graphics and graphic design elements to enhance the aesthetic appeal and visual appeal of the package to the customer. Breadsmith Franchising was the only Wisconsin company to place in the award competition.
Et alia, LLC.
Et alia, LLC, Milwaukee, received two small and mid-sized business awards at the SAP America, Inc., annual partner meeting. Et alia received the Excellence in Customer Satisfaction Award for the consistently highest customer satisfaction ratings and the SAP Best Practices Award for Solution Development for delivering the most innovative, high quality mySAP All-in-One solution. The et alia CREW solution is a mySAP All-in-One solution for contractor or project-based service provider businesses. SAP America is a subsidiary of SAP AG, a provider of enterprise management software.
Goldman Consulting Group
Richard Goldman announced the formation of Goldman Consulting Group, Cedarburg, a communications consulting firm specializing in multi-media applications. Goldman Consulting Group provides services including Web site development, database development, legacy data conversion and integration, network architecture maintenance and administration, application development, multi-media presentations, video production, graphic design, inventory control systems and computer programming.
Ron Sonntag Public Relations
Diggers Hotline of Wauwatosa has chosen Ron Sonntag Public Relations, Milwaukee, as its agency of record. Ron Sonntag will provide marketing, advertising and public relations services for the organization. Diggers Hotline coordinates activities between property owners, excavators and utilities including phone, cable, water, gas and electric.
UWM
A. Fattah Shaikh, a professor of structural engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) from 1967 to 2003, was recently named a Titan of the Precast Industry by the Precast, Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI). Shaikh specializes in reinforced concrete construction and is one of 20 structural engineers and one of five academicians to win the award. The PCI recognized 50 Titans of Industry, 32 of them living, at the institute’s annual meeting. For individuals to be considered for the title, they had to make a positive and industry-altering contribution to the industry in the last 50 years by creating new technology or product innovations, opening new markets for the industry or dramatically changing the manufacturing and delivery process of products. Shaikh’s research focuses on the behavior and design of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures, distress and failure analysis and connections of the concrete structures. He was awarded the PCI Distinguished Educator Award in 1998.
Concordia University
Concordia University Wisconsin’s School of Business and Legal Studies is accepting applications for the first Concordia University Award for Ethical Business Leadership. The university is seeking nominations for individuals, companies or organizations that treat employees and customers with dignity and respect, have established a community corporate culture, make quality a primary focus, conduct business according to The Golden Rule, serve as a model of integrity and consider the environment in all business activities. Nomination forms are available through Dr. William Ellis, dean of the school of business and legal studies, at 262-243-4226 or william.ellis@cuw.edu.
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Grants totaling $10.9 million to benefit non-profits in the four-county area were approved by the greater Milwaukee Foundation board in the final quarter of 2004. Funding for major grants from discretionary funds includes: $220,000 over two years to Local Initiatives Support Corp. (LISC) for the Milwaukee Partnership for Community Development (MPCD); $50,000 for the Center for Business and Economic Development at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Wisconsin (HCCW); $50,000 for a Riverworks Commerce Center for Riverworks Development Corp.; $40,000 for restoration of the Milwaukee County Historical Society Center at the Milwaukee County Historical Society; $35,000 for the expansion of work opportunities at the Waukesha Training Center; $30,000 to the Milwaukee Urban League; $30,000 to the Wisconsin Foundation for Independent Colleges and $25,000 for core program support of Step-Up Milwaukee at the Milwaukee Alliance. The board also approved grants from special funds. The Nonprofit Management Fund awarded 22 organizations $111,385 for board development, strategic planning, technology upgrades and financial management and fundraising consultation to improve their organizational capacity. The Waukesha Nonprofit Management Fund awarded 11 organizations $49,869 for board development, a merger, fund development consultation, a technology upgrade, Web site expansion and strategic planning.
Avicom Marketing Communications
The Wisconsin Biotechnology and Medical Device Association (WBMA) selected Avicom Marketing Communications, Waukesha, as its agency of record. Avicom will provide strategic marketing and public relations services including market research, brand overhauls, collateral development, video production, special events and promotions to the association’s nearly 200 member companies. As part of the agreement, Avicom will host a series of workshops in Milwaukee and Madison for WBMA members throughout the year on topics including branding and executive media training. Avicom has partnered with WBMA to establish an online biotechnology marketing communications lab called Biocom to serve as an informational resource to WBMA members.
RESTAT Prescription Benefit Managers
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, Ill., selected RESTAT Prescription Benefits Managers, West Bend, as its prescription drug program vendor for a renewed four-year contract. RESTAT has provided prescription benefit management for Caterpillar since 1993. Caterpillar manufactures construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. The agreement allows Caterpillar to attract quality applicants, retain employees and maintain benefits while keeping prescription costs contained.
Rolandi International Benefits LLC
Karen Rolandi has established Rolandi International Benefits LLC, Elm Grove. Rolandi International specializes in working with multinational businesses to provide employee benefits for their globally mobile workers, coordinating the provision of traditional employee benefits and using a network of worldwide alliances to address nation specific human resources issues. Rolandi International is located at 13155 Oakhurst Dr., Elm Grove. Karen Rolandi, president of the firm, can be reached at 877-373-9931.
Simma’s Bakery
Simma’s Bakery, Wauwatosa, introduced a new product called the Simma’s Bar, which consists of frozen cheesecake on a stick for individual customers. The cheesecake is frozen and hand-dipped in dark chocolate. The bars are available at Simma’s Bakery and can be shipped anywhere in the United States in quantities of 12, 18 or 24. Simma’s Bakery was named one of the Top 25 Bakeries in America by the International Restaurant & Hospitality Ratings Bureau for 2004.
Brooks Stevens Design
Brooks Stevens Design, Grafton, and Evenflo Co. Inc., Piqua, Ohio recently released a baby stroller called the Evenflo Ellipsa at a fashion show event at Parsons School of Design, New York City. Evenflo retained Brooks Stevens Design for concept-to-production development of the stroller, including design research, industrial and ergonomic design, mechanical engineering and prototyping. The Evenflo Ellipsa was created for parents who can benefit from its patented one-hand steering and one-hand trigger activated ArcFold for folding the stroller for transport. The one-hand EasyGrip seat recline is the only recline that does not use straps, requires only one hand and provides support for the baby at any angle. The Ellipsa stroller is available as a single stroller and as a travel system that includes a five point infant car seat.
Society of Industrial and Office Realtors, Wisconsin Chapter
The Wisconsin Chapter of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR), Madison, named Bob Dufek of Inland Companies, Milwaukee, president of the chapter. Charles Ball of NAI MLG Commercial, Appleton, was named vice-president; Robert Gintoft of NAI MLG Commercial, Brookfield, was named treasurer and program coordinator; Terrence McMahon of Grubb & Ellis/Boerke Co., Milwaukee, was named secretary and membership coordinator and William E. Mears of Coldwell Banker Commercial, Janesville, was named public relations coordinator. SIOR is headquarted in Washington, D.C. and is a global professional organization that certifies commercial real estate service providers with the SIOR designation. SIOR represents 2,200 professionals in 450 markets and 20 countries.
National Survey & Engineering
Ross Knodl and Greg Kunz of National Survey & Engineering, a division of R.A. Smith & Associates Inc., Brookfield, have joined the Society of Southeast Wisconsin Land Surveyors-Milwaukee Chapter for 2005. Knodl, a project surveyor, was named vice president. For the next three years Knodl will move through the chapter board positions as vice president, president elect, and then president. Knodl has 16 years of surveying experience. Greg Kunz, surveying transportation manager at National Survey & Engineering, was named chapter state representative. Kunz will hold the chapter state representative position for two years as a member of the state board of the Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors. Kunz has worked in the surveying industry for 28 years. He has worked for National Survey & Engineering for 17 years.
Vernal Management Consultants LLC
Karen Vernal, president and chief executive officer of Vernal Management Consultants LLC, Milwaukee, was appointed to the Small Business Regulatory Review Board by Gov. Jim Doyle. The board reviews all proposed legislation, which will have a potential impact on small businesses in Wisconsin.
National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals of Greater Milwaukee
The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals of Greater Milwaukee (NAHREP-GM) recently formed and had its first meeting at the United Community Center, Milwaukee. The mission of the association is to increase the Hispanic homeownership rate by empowering real estate professionals serving Hispanic consumers. The Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors sponsored and promoted the creation of NAHREP-GM. The association will focus on key real estate industry segments, including real estate licensees, lenders, homebuyer counselors, attorneys and home inspectors. NAHREP-GM will provide a monthly newsletter, a listing of bilingual real estate service providers, products and services targeted for the Hispanic market, a Web page with information for members, networking opportunities for real estate licensees and affiliate providers. Aura Mora-Gheller of Homestead Realty is the chair of the board; John Schroder of Great Midwest Bank is the chair-elect; Sandy Karkossa of Ogden Real Estate Co., is secretary and Rose Juarez-Sura of HBC Services is treasurer. Other officers include Alan Eisenberg of Alan D. Eisenberg Real Estate; Joann Hendricks of RE/MAX Integrity; Pedro Rodriguez of Century 21 Stewart Realty; Donn Anderson of Anderson Home Inspection; Leander Benavides of Castle Mortgage; Del Januchowski of Guaranty Bank; Nina Halcomb of Lyon Realty; Nelson Soler of Vell Sol Realty Group; Mary Anne Stevens of RE/MAX Realty 100 and George Singleton of First Weber Group.
Latino Press Club
A Latino Press Club was recently formed in Milwaukee by John Torres, the first Hispanic to write for the Milwaukee Journal and the founder of WDJT-TV Channel 58. Torres will serve as president. The Latino Press Club was formed to foster greater understanding and cooperation between Latino members of the media in Wisconsin, in hopes of providing opportunities for Latino journalists to network with each other. The press club also plans to serve as a fundraising entity to provide academic scholarships to Latino youth pursuing careers in the broadcast or print media. The press club is open to all Latinos who are members of the working press, to students enrolled in the study of journalism at the college level and to all other members of the media. Victor Huyke, publisher of El Conquistador will, serve as vice president; Ken Herrera, host of Wisconsin’s Morning News at Newsradio 620 WTMJ, will serve as secretary; Jesus Burgos, production manager at Channel 63 Telemundo Milwaukee, will serve as treasurer and Alan Eisenberg will serve as coordinator.
The Mental Health Association in Milwaukee County
The Mental Health Association in Milwaukee County (MHA) is accepting applications from mental health professionals interested in becoming a member of MHA’s volunteer Speakers Bureau. The MHA is specifically looking for those interested in children’s mental health issues and the mental health needs of aging adults. Speaking engagements appropriate for MHA Speaker Bureau include presenting to a group of older adults at community group such as a senior center, a congregation, a rotary club meeting or a PTA meeting. Presentations on children’s mental health include individual classroom environments at the middle and high school level, PTAs and other youth organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club. Speakers Bureau volunteers will receive technical support from the MHA including an orientation session, prepared outlines, speaker notes, handouts and resource material. More information is available at www.mhamilw.org.
Miller Brewing Co.
Miller Brewing Co., Milwaukee, donated $20,000 to support scholarships for students in the Cooperative Urban Teacher Education Program (CUTEP) at the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). The funds will be used to pay for field replacement internships. The program educated K-12 teachers with an emphasis on urban settings. Students complete their first two years at MATC and are them eligible to enter the schools of education at Alverno College, Marquette University, UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Oshkosh and UW-Whitewater. Currently there are 386 CUTEP students and 30 are expected to graduate in spring.
February 4, 2005, Small Business Times, Milwaukee, WI
