Biznotes for April 16, 2004

Hartland-based Spectrum Digital Services has introduced SpinCards, a line of greeting cards that includes a recordable compact disc screenprinted to match the card. "Consumers can then record whatever they want to on the disc and include it with the card, sending a loved one more than just a card," said Russell S. Gnant, Spectrum Digital’s CEO.
Produced by GreetingsPlus, a division of Spectrum Digital Services LLC, SpinCards are already available for a variety of occasions, with more designs on the way. The cards were custom-designed for GreetingsPlus. SpinCards are available in boxed sets, and as individual cards.
"SpinCards bring a whole new dimension to the greeting card. No longer do you have to choose which baby picture to include with a birth announcement, you can simply send them all," said Gnant.
Available now, they can be purchased online at www.greetingsplus.com and will be in retail outlets nationwide by summer. SpinCards with matching recordable DVDs will be available in the third quarter.
Founded in 1998, Spectrum Digital Services was the first facility in the United States dedicated to recordable disc printing. Today, it is the largest facility of its kind in North America. The company is the first in the nation to offer the combination greeting card and recordable disc.
The two top executives of Frank Haack & Associates in Wauwatosa have acquired an interest in Trivantage Pharmacy Strategies Inc. of Pewaukee.
The Haack executives, William R. Haack and James R. Mueller, become owners with current Trivantage partners Joseph Coffini and Matthew Zirpoli.
"Trivantage is a nationally recognized leader in the pharmacy benefit consulting space and by aligning our resources, we will be able to increase our ability to serve our clients well," said Haack.
"We wanted to partner with Haack and Mueller, and thus Frank Haack & Associates and Zywave, because of their breadth and depth of services, strategic vision and leadership position in the insurance brokerage and benefit consulting business. The cost effectiveness and overall efficiencies gained through this new partnership will further enhance our capabilities and benefit our client base," said Zirpoli.
Trivantage handles request-for-proposals management, pharmacy benefit education, plan design recommendations, PBM auditing services and ongoing pharmacy benefit support. It provides pharmacy benefit consulting services to insurance carriers, third-party administrators, direct employer groups, brokerage firms and unions.
Haack is chairman and CEO while mueller is president and COO of both Frank Haack & Associates, an insurance brokerage, and Zywave, which provides insurance technology and resources to other brokerage firms and their clients.
DuraSafe Inc. has developed a lock that helps prevent the theft of marine electronics installed on board, such as GPS units and depth finders. The patent-pending lock acts as a knob, replacing one factory knob from either side of an electronics unit.
The DuraSafe GPS/Depth Finder Lock is available in seven models to fit the different knob thread sizes of the most popular marine electronics brands on the market — Raymarine, Magellan, Lowrance, Eagle, Garmin, Vexilar, Humminbird, NAVMAN, and Furuno.
"Our GPS/Depth Finder Lock offers reliable, affordable theft protection and the convenience of not having to remove valuable electronics whenever a boat owner leaves the boat unattended," said Don Frantz, president of DuraSafe.
The DuraSafe GPS/Depth Finder Lock has a suggested retail price of $12.95 to $15.95.
DuraSafe is at 1785 S. Johnson Rd., New Berlin, www.durasafe-usa.com. It manufactures locks for a variety of recreational uses, including boats, ATVs, bicycles and motorcycles.
The Milwaukee-based Blue Horse agency has changed its name to ESW/Blue Horse, reflecting its affiliation with Ebel Signorelli & Welke in Chicago. The agency will maintain separate operations and client service, creative, media and public relations in Milwaukee. Tom Thiede remains president of the Milwaukee office, while Bob Welke, a Milwaukee native and UWM graduate, is the managing partner and chief creative officer of ESW. Robert Ebel, ESW managing partner, will divide his time between Milwaukee and Chicago. The combined agencies, which recently gained a presence in Detroit through ESW Kenyon & Messenger, employ 60 people and report billings in excess of $72 million.
Catherine Van Laanen will open a physical therapy private practice, Health in Balance Physical Therapy, in the Riversite building in Mequon, on May 3. Van Laanen is a 2000 graduate of Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, with a master of physical therapy degree. She is working toward her doctorate of physical therapy through the University of St. Augustine, St. Augustine, Fla.
CafZ Vecchio Mondo in downtown Milwaukee has launched a new menu with the recent appointment of Brenton Hammer as executive chef. Hammer most recently led the culinary team at Celia in the Pfister Hotel. Hammer’s team at CafZ Vecchio Mondo includes former colleagues from Celia: sous chef Michael Duke, pastry chef Stacie Van de Loo, and line cook Benjamin Christiansen. The restaurant is at 1137 N. Old World Third St. and owned by Russell Davis. He also owns Mondo Brothers Pasta and operates the Lakefront Brewery Palm Garden for special events and Friday night fish fries. Davis and restaurant general manager Michael Kraus are partners in Riverwalk Boat Tours and Rentals.
April 16, 2004, Small Business Times, Milwaukee, WI