National Association of Women Business Owners Wisconsin, Inc.
The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Wisconsin, Inc. is accepting nominations for its 2005 Wisconsin Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The award honors a woman business owner who has achieved business success through entrepreneurial spirit. The nominations will be judged by a panel of judges representing government, academia, business and business ownership throughout the state. The winner will be announced at the Women Triumphant event in April. Nomination forms can be found at www.nawbowisconsin.org and are due by March 19.
LocalCareers.com
LocalCareers.com, Milwaukee, received the 2005 User’s Choice Award from Weddle’s, a specialty publisher of the online employment industry. WisconsinJobs.com, a subsidiary of LocalCAreers.com, was the only Wisconsin-based employment site to receive an award. More than 15,000 job seekers and employers voted in the Weddles.com annual awards and 30 sites out of more than 8,000 featured in the Weddle’s Annual Directory of Employment-Related Internet Sites received this award. LocalCareers.com is a network of employment sites that includes WisconsinJobs.com, CaliforniaJobs.com, Jobs4HR.com and Jobs4Sales.com.
Prom Krog Altstiel Inc.
Prom Krog Altstiel Inc. (PKA), Mequon, will offer marketing communications services to Viega North America, Bedford, Mass.; Masterflux, Tecumseh, Mich. and Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon. Viega North America has hired PKA as its marketing communication agency. PKA will handle brand development, consumer and trade advertising, Web site development, trade show support, public relations, direct mail and literature production for the company, which is headquartered in Germany. Masterflux, a division of Tecumseh Products Co., selected PKA as its advertising and public relations agency. PKA will promote a new line of products for Masterflux through trade ads, sales literature, interactive and specialty advertising. PKA has previously worked with Concordia University to produce support materials for its bluff restoration and environmental education center. Materials produced to date include a DVD that demonstrates the need for bluff restoration and the benefits of the environmental education initiative. In addition, PKA will produce a companion brochure to promote the plan in more detail.
Milwaukee Catholic Home
The Milwaukee Catholic Home recently announced the election of new officers and directors for the board of Milwaukee Catholic Home Corp. John Revitte of Midland Container Corp. was elected president; Jeanne Reuter, owner and president of Carlson Wagonlit Travel was elected vice president; Michael Benton, a tax manger for Virchow, Krause & Co. was elected treasurer and Timothy Bultman, president of Bultman Investment Management Inc., was elected secretary. New directors include: Dr. Wayne Boulanger, retired chief of staff for Columbia Hospital; Stephen Helfer, president of Fulcrum Construction Co.; Rev. Timothy Kitzke, a pastor for Three Holy Women Parish; Robert Leonhardt, managing director for Marshall Financial Consulting; Sarah Oberhofer, a human resources executive; Christian Steinmetz, an attorney for Foley & Lardner LLP and Paul Westrick, vice president of planning and marketing for Columbia St. Mary’s Inc.
Medical College of Wisconsin
The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, received a five-year, $1.5 million grant from the National Eye Institute to study the structure and dynamics of fiber cell membranes of the eye lens during aging and cataract formation, using pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Witold Subczynski, associate professor of biophysics for the Medical College, is principal investigator for the study. Subczynski joined the staff of the Medical College in 2000 and previously served as a professor of biophysics at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. He has been collaborating with the biophysics faculty in the Medical College’s National Biomedical EPR Center since 1980.
Jeffrey Kelly, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral medicine and director of the Center for AIDS Intervention Research at the Medical College was recently appointed to serve a four-year term on the National Advisory Mental Health Council. The council provides advice to the secretary of Health and Human Services, the director of the National Institutes of Health and the director of the National Institute of Mental Health on matters related to research, investigations and demonstrations on the cause, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.
Seek Inc.
Seek Inc., Grafton, has created a new department named Seek Professionals to meet the professional staffing needs of Seek clients. Seek Professionals will focus on professional placements at management and executive levels in the banking industry, technology, engineering, marketing and sales, human capital management, accounting and office positions. Colleen Schmidt will serve as team leader and Hesper Russ as professional recruiter for Seek Professionals.
Association of Wisconsin Lobbyists
Pat Schillinger, president of the Wisconsin Paper Council, was elected president of the Association of Wisconsin Lobbyists (AWL). AWL consists of more than 200 members and is a voluntary association for government relations professionals in Wisconsin. The association is committed to establishing and maintaining standards for the lobbying profession. Mary Ann Gerrard of the Wisconsin Automobile & Truck Dealers Association, Madison, was elected vice president; Janet Swandby of Coenen/Swandby Associates, Madison, was elected secretary and treasurer and Sharon Cook of the City of Milwaukee will serve as immediate past president. Jim Boullion of Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin, Inc., was also elected to a three-year term. Current board members include: Ann Jablonski of Ann Jablonski – Government Relations; Rebecca Larson of Xcel Energy; Misha Lee of Sentry Insurance Group; Michael Semmann of Wisconsin Bankers Association; Scott Tyre of Foley & Lardner LLP and Jeffrey Wiswell of WisGroup.
Medical Society of Milwaukee County
The Medical Society of Milwaukee County presented five community members and organizations with awards. Dr. Mahendr Kochar was presented with a Distinguished Service award for his contributions in medical research, education and community advocacy. The Medical College of Wisconsin and its students received a Community Service award for their services at the Saturday Free Clinic. Dr. Walter Hogan received the President’s Citation for Service to the Profession for his services to medical students, residents and fellows. Joseph Manning received an Excellence in Journalism award for informing Milwaukee of the health issues it faces. Joseph Botticelli and Jim Wrocklage received Certicifactes of Merit for activities in patient safety in the Milwaukee metropolitan area.
Acuity
Results from a six-year study of property-casualty insurance carriers by the National Underwriter, a publishing and information services businesses focused on the insurance industry, has placed Acuity, Sheboygan, in 15th place for most profitable business insurance carriers and 24th among all carriers in the nation. In the six-year time period of the study, Acuity experienced double-digit growth and became the 80th largest carrier in the nation. Acuity employs 750 people and has $1.4 billion in assets.
National Survey & Engineering
Steve Miazga, business development manager for National Survey & Engineering, a division of R.A. Smith & Associates, Brookfield, was named chairman of roundtables for the 2005 International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) CenterBuild Conference. Miazga is responsible for coordinating 275 roundtables over the course of three days. The CenterBuild Conference is a specialty conference held by ICSC and focuses on the planning, development, design and construction of shopping centers and retail stores. Miazga has experience in pre-development planning for major land development projects, infrastructure design and assisting clients with land development issues. The CenterBuild Conference will be held in December.
Jon Rost Associates
Kaytee Products, Inc., Chilton, has selected Jon Rost Associates, Sheboygan, to create a strategic marketing campaign focusing on the quality and variety of its Wild Bird Food product line. Jon Rost will launch a billboard campaign, broadcast advertising and promotions featuring George Harrison, a wild bird expert and author of multiple books on wild birds. Harrison has also produced PBS specials on wild birds.
Iverson Language Associates Inc.
Iverson Language Associates Inc., Milwaukee, supported Gov. Jim Doyle in a Trade Mission to Mexico by donating the translation of the mission directory. Iverson provided translation services to the state of Wisconsin and aid in facilitating communication between participating Wisconsin companies and their counterparts in Mexico. The mission was coordinated by the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
KingsHead Hair Salon
KingsHead Hair Salon, Milwaukee, has added a hair extension system to its line of products for women, called Hairdreams. The product contains microstrands of genuine hair and is designed to create added hair strength, volume, body and length. Hairdreams is available in multiple shades and color tones, four different waves and six thicknesses of strands.
TPS International Inc.
The Galdabini Group, an Italian manufacturer of automatic straightening machines, has partnered with TPS International Inc., Sussex, to be its exclusive United States sales, service and parts distributor. Galdabini produces straightening machines mainly used in the automotive and small engine industries. Systems deliveries include General Motors Corp., Detroit; Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, Mich.; Daimler Chrysler Corp., Auburn Hills, Mich. and TRW Automotive Holdings Corp., Livonia, Mich.
Greendale Chamber of Commerce
The Greendale Chamber of Commerce presented four awards to area organizations and individuals. The Spirit of Greendale award was presented to Warren Atkinson. Atkinson is a member of the Greendale Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees, Kiwanis, Lions Club and Greendale American Legion Post 416. He was also the recipient of the 10-Year Service Recognition Certificate in 2003. Leni Deitrich, a Spanish teacher at Greendale High School, received the Educator of the Year Award. Deitrich has been a teacher for eight years and is the curriculum facilitator for foreign language in the district. Deitrich is involved in a service-learning project in Peru, where the group imports hand knit items from a poor migrant community in Peru to sell at various events in America. Gary Swittel, co-owner of Swittel Enterprises, received the Chamber Member of the Year award. Swittel was president of the chamber for 2003 and 2004. M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank, received the Business of the Year award for its community involvement.
New Berlin Chamber of Commerce
The New Berlin Chamber of Commerce presented Robert Taticek, director of information technology services for Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC), with the Business Person of the Year Award. Taticek has served as the chamber’s secretary and treasurer for more than six years. Taticek has presented local, regional and national conferences including the SCT User Summit in 1999 and 2000 and serves as academic advisor for students in IT programs at WCTC.
West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce
The West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce has moved its office to a smaller location two blocks north, at 548 S. Main St., West Bend. At the January board meeting, the board of directors came to the decision that a smaller location will keep the chamber focused on its mission and better position the chamber to serve its community and community members.
Insights For Women
Insights For Women, sponsored by Vincent Voss Ventures LLC, Delafield, was recognized by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as a Wisconsin Success Story. Insights For Women programs were created by Roxanne Vincent and Deb Voss Quail in 2002 to focus on different transitions women encounter in their lives. More than 50 women attend each program.
Wisconsin Women in Business
Lisa Keefer of Select Financial and K.C. Thorson of Women In Networking Succeed (W.I.N.S.) have created a seminar focusing on Wisconsin women in business. The seminar will present topics for discussion including starting a new business, expanding an existing business, financing, government grants, chambers of commerce as resources and market research. Thorson will give a presentation on starting a business along with other guest speakers Celina Growel of The Royal Court Academy, Wauwatosa; Nancy Witte-Dycus of Fantasy Flowers, Theinsville and Michelle Conway of MazurZacho Marketing. The event will be held April 28 at North Hills Country Club, Menomonee Falls.
Sloane & Associates Inc.
Sloane & Associates Inc., Brookfield, has relocated to 250 N. Sunny Slope Rd., Suite 127, Brookfield. Sloane & Associates is owned and operated by Ronald Sloane and specializes in executive search and management recruitment for professionals in construction, architecture and real estate development. Sloane has more than 30 years of professional experience and has worked in the executive search industry focusing on finance, construction and real estate since 1982.
Wisconsin Energy Star Homes
Wisconsin Energy Star Homes recognized 14 Wisconsin builders, contractors and other building professionals for their roles in building comfortable, durable, safe and energy efficient homes. Two companies located in southeastern Wisconsin were recognized. R Carl Design Group, Cedarburg, received an Excellence in Building Air Tightness Award and Kevin Hogan of Energy Strategies, Sheboygan, received the Wisconsin Energy Star Homes Consultant of the Year Award. The Wisconsin Energy Star Homes program is part of Focus on Energy, a statewide energy efficiency initiative. Program partners work to promote and build homes that incorporate innovative building materials and practices. Homes built through the program on average are up to 25 percent more energy efficient than homes built to Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code. More than 350 builders participate in the program and there are more than 3,600 Wisconsin energy Star Homes statewide.
Kohler Co.
Kohler Co., Kohler, donated a total of $43,000 to Habitat for Humanity Lakeside and America’s Second Harvest of Wisconsin for their help with public tours of Kohler and Food & Wine magazine’s Ultimate Entertaining Home. Habitat for Humanity Lakeside serves Sheboygan and Ozaukee counties and America’s Second Harvest of Wisconsin has distribution centers in Milwaukee and Winnebago counties. The Ultimate Entertaining Home project was a partnership between Kohler and Food & Wine and built by Windridge Homes of Sheboygan. A portion of ticket sales went to the non-profit organizations. Habitat for Humanity and America’s Second Harvest provided more than 150 volunteers to lead tours of the home and sell merchandise. A total of 7,793 people toured the home between Oct. 22 and Dec. 5. The home is located at 225 Woodlake Rd., Kohler, and is currently available for purchase through Windridge Homes of Sheboygan.
DBA Marketing Communications
DBA Marketing Communications, Delafield, was hired by The Simon Group, Brookfield, to develop an integrated marketing campaign. The campaign will include a Web site, brochures, print advertising, public relations and site signage. The Simon Group is a residential community developer.
State Financial Bank
State Financial Bank, Milwaukee, led a fundraising effort to provide a kitchen addition to the Ronald McDonald House, Milwaukee, that was included in part of a 16,000 square-foot addition to the existing Ronald McDonald House. State Financial Bank led the effort in memory of a past employee, Tim King. King volunteered for the Ronald McDonald House and served as chairman of a committee that studied the changing needs of families using the Ronald McDonald House. The result was a plan to renovate the house with the goal of creating family units for families needing to stay 3 to 6 months. The home-like kitchen provides families with a sense of normalcy when staying at hospitals for long periods of time. The Ronald McDonald House is a place for families to stay whose children are being treated at Milwaukee area hospitals and is free of charge. State Financial Bank employees, friends and family of King and business colleagues participated in the fundraising effort.
First Bank Financial Centre
First Bank Financial Centre, Oconomowoc, opened a new branch, First Bank Summit, located at 1300 Summit Ave., Oconomowoc. Sally Schoenborn was promoted to Summit branch manager and Karla Lauersdorf was promoted to Summit assistant branch manager. Schoenborn most recently served as assistant branch manager at the main Oconomowoc branch and has been with the bank since 2003. Lauersdorf has nine years of banking experience and has been with First Bank Financial Centre for seven years.
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority
The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) granted its first Contractors Loan Guarantee to LaBrant Associates Ltd., Milwaukee. The WHEDA guarantee will help the firm cover expenses involved in fulfilling a contract to install drywall and paint the interior space of the Kilbourn Square Apartments, located at north 23rd Street and west Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee. The loan guarantee will create 10 to 20 jobs while helping the firm retain an equal number of workers. Gorman & Co. Inc., Madison, is redeveloping the six-story, 150-unit apartment complex. WHEDA has also awarded Gorman affordable housing tax credits in return for keeping rents in a number of apartments below market rate. The Contractors Loan Guarantee helps contractors, including minority-owned firms, complete projects while building their businesses. The firms must be located in Wisconsin, employ 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees and the projects must create or retain jobs. The maximum guarantee is the lesser of 80 percent or $200,000 on loans up to $750,000. The loans cover the direct cost of the contract including salaries and benefits, inventory, supplies and equipment.
Ellingsen Brady Advertising Inc.
Ellingsen Brady Advertising Inc., Milwaukee, received four awards from The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) at its Adrian Awards Competition. Ellingsen Brady received the Silver Award for the holiday brochure designed for The Pfister Hotel, Milwaukee and three Bronze Awards for Grand Geneva Resort, Lake Geneva. All of the awards were in the brochure category. The annual award competition received more than 1,350 entries from 45 countries. Entries were judged by teams of experts from all sectors of the industry. Other Wisconsin winners include Kohler Co., Kohler, in the magazine and consumer category for individual room and travel sales; The American Club, Kohler Co., Kohler, in the direct mail category for individual room and travel sales and Noise (formerly Sprecher Bertalot & Co.), Milwaukee, for the Wisconsin State Fair in the area attractions and theme parks category for radio.
The Schroeder Group S.C.
The Schroeder Group S.C., Waukesha, received the Annual Community Service Award from the International Society of Primerus Law Firms. The award is given to one firm from the organization’s membership. Entrants were judged on the firm’s amount of participation in the community both as a group and as individual attorneys. Primerus has more than 75 member firms that were eligible for this award.
March, 4, 2005, Small Business Times, Milwaukee, WI
