NewsWave March 2013

March/April 2013 Vol. 13 Issue 3

The Perfect Recipe NewsWave ̻

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NewsWave On the Cover Area commercial real estate developers and bankers cook up deals in Oshkosh, making our community a great place to work and live. From cover-front row: Rob Kleman, senior vice president economic development Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce; Dennis Schwab, First Weber Group; Grant Schwab, First Weber Group; Evan Wendlandt, economic development manager Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce; back row: Mickey Noone, president First Business Bank – Northeast; Tom Scharpf, broker/owner Thomas James Real Estate, LLC; Tom Belter, vice president BMO Harris Bank N.A.

March/April 2013 Volume 13, Issue 3 Feature Stories

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The perfect recipe takes the right ingredients

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Business tax law changes for 2013

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Ask the Expert: Social media marketing

Upcoming Events

Thank you to Marty Strand and the staff at University Dining at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh for allowing us to use their facility for the cover photo.

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President/CEO John Casper Editor

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Oshkosh Chamber programs and seminars

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Calendar of events

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Around the Town

Samantha Anderson Layout

Department

Mitch Washebek Cover Photography

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Chairman's message

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Business Briefs

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Member Spotlight

Phil Weston, Weston Imaging Advertising Susie Martini Loker The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce is a 5-star

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]

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accredited chamber and proud member of the New North working to serve business and the community.

Economic development in Oshkosh 2012 economic development highlights, committed to our vision

In this issue, we are highlighting some of the area’s top economic developments from this past year and some of the people behind them. In addition to the many outstanding developments in Oshkosh this past year, we are proud to announce Oshkosh has received many exemplary rankings and achievements relating to economic development. In a recent report, the Milken Institute ranked Oshkosh/Neenah MSA first in Wisconsin and 43rd in the nation for BestPerforming Small Cities of 2012. Area Development magazine ranked Oshkosh/ Neenah MSA first in Wisconsin, 59th in the nation for economic and workforce growth. Oshkosh leads the Fox Valley with more than $67.5 million spent on total new commercial and industrial construction in Oshkosh in 2012. Oshkosh also leads the Fox Valley in employment rates, with businesses in Oshkosh employing 40,164 people in 2012. We are proud to say we played a big role in Oshkosh’s economic success in 2012 and we thank our partners that were also a part of this collaborative effort. We also look forward to continued collaboration and partnership with all our Oshkosh community partners. We support the City of Oshkosh increasing its activism in economic development and are committed to working with the City as it develops its plan.

As this develops, the Oshkosh Chamber will continue to operate as a member organization and provide business and economic development services core to our mission. Our programs allow us to carry out this critical and valued piece of our mission. We do not see this changing. As current and future budget is dedicated and committed to business development and other member services, we will consider any funding request that may be an outcome of the City’s planning process and formation of its economic development organization. To date, the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce has participated in the City’s economic development study and plans to continue as invited. The Oshkosh Chamber has and always will welcome additional economic development support. The Oshkosh Chamber is a highly accredited entity focused on business and economic development and that will not change. The City’s apparent increased activism in this area is most welcome. We look forward to working with the City as it develops its plan. Our members can continue to count on us as the first point of contact for their business development needs. Let me assure you, we will continue to advance our mission.

Vicki Updike is the 2012-2013 Oshkosh Chamber Chairman of the Board and president of Miles Kimball Company.

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Community leaders attend a ribbon cutting to celebrate the Hwy 21/41 interchange opening in 2012.

The perfect recipe takes the right ingredients Oshkosh succeeding in business development with help of area developers and bankers

By Samantha Anderson

O

shkosh experienced significant business developments in 2012 in the forms of both new and expanding businesses in our community. In this article, we feature some of the major business developments from 2012 in our community and some of the people behind the scenes who made them happen.

Oshkosh: A great place to do business Despite recent economic hard times, Oshkosh continues to be a great place to work and live. In a recent report, the Milken Institute ranked the Oshkosh/Neenah MSA first in Wisconsin and 43rd in the nation for Best-Performing Small Cities of 2012. Area Development magazine ranked the Oshkosh/ Neenah MSA first in Wisconsin, 59th in the nation for economic and workforce growth. In 2012, Oshkosh also made the Top Ten list for 2012 MSN Real Estate Most Livable Bargain Markets. According to local bankers, Oshkosh has pulled ahead locally and nationally due to a number of positive factors. “The Oshkosh area has been fortunate to have some recession resistant employers,” said Mike

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Dempsey, executive vice president and COO Bank First National. “We enjoy two remarkable hospitals, a state prison facility, the state’s third largest university campus, the county seat, a world-class consumer packaging firm, a world-class defense contractor, many of their suppliers and others. “These clusters and other thriving businesses attracted and maintained a competitively superior skilled workforce during an excruciatingly painful economic cycle. Now these resources are available to draw from as other industries begin to recover and expand. We are blessed,” Dempsey said. Additionally, the community’s collaborative economic development efforts have and will continue to pay off for the community. “We have bold ideas and initiatives that have come to reality,” Dempsey said. One of these initiatives is Opportunity Oshkosh, a collaborative marketing campaign to market Oshkosh as a great place to do business. Various community partners, including the Oshkosh Chamber, began working with Strata Communications in 2012 to attract new businesses to Oshkosh. “The Opportunity Oshkosh campaign has already had very positive effects on the business community,” said Russ Potratz, president Strata Communications.

“It has become a rallying point for our economic development stakeholders. The campaign has established its brand and puts a face to the campaign through testimonials from business owners and community leaders that provide services, or have benefitted from the work of development specialists.” When new businesses come to town, those in the economic development, commercial real estate and banking industries work to find businesses space to buy, rent or build while banks help businesses find the loan money they need to get started. “A bank is a key partner with any business expansion or requisition because the business always needs capital above and beyond what their budget allows,” said Tom Belter, vice president BMO Harris Bank N.A.

Area bankers lending, supporting economic development in Oshkosh Despite Oshkosh's success even during poor economic times, new banking regulations have made business development difficult for everyone involved. “Additional regulatory refinements have made it more difficult with business expansion and relocation,” Belter said. “We are lending as much money as we possibly can. We’re looking for qualified borrowers since the regulations tightened up.” Others agree with Belter saying banks will continue to loan as much money as they can, regardless of increasing regulations. “Loans, good loans, that is, are the best income generator for banks,” said Peter Prickett, president First National Bank- Fox Valley. “In our case, FNB increased its commercial loan portfolio by 23 percent in 2012,” Prickett said. “So we are out looking for and making loans.” Other local banks are doing the same. “Bank First has committed more than $100 million of credit to the market in the past 24 months,” Dempsey said. “While business growth absorbed most of the funds, we have assisted in a number of business successions and even a few start-ups,” Dempsey said. According to Mickey Noone, president First Business Bank - Northeast, low interest rates also encouraged more companies to borrow last year. Special funds are also available to help new businesses succeed in Oshkosh. First Business Bank - Northeast is involved with the Angels on the Water fund. “We have been focused on programming surrounding innovation and specifically supportive of the formation of Angels on the Water, an early stage angel fund that invests in entrepreneurial ideas,” Noone said. “Much of the efforts by this group were in recognition of a shortage of start-up capital in this market and to be able to give young companies better

opportunity when the banking market for these deals turned off,” Noone said. The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce also operates a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) for eligible start-ups in the Oshkosh area. Four local businesses benefited from an RLF loan in 2012: Darabosh Tax & Accounting, Green 3, Tamara’s Bakery and Bella Academy. "The OAEDC RLF has been an excellent tool that offers start-up and existing small businesses a flexible source of capital that can be used in combination with conventional sources of financing," said Rob Kleman, vice president economic development at the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce. Since 2004, the RLF has leveraged more than $4.4 million in private investment and created or retained almost 160 jobs in the Oshkosh area. With this program, prospective businesses can borrow up to $25,000 at very favorable terms.

Forecasting business development in 2013 Area bankers and developers differ in their opinions on how Oshkosh will do in 2013. “Looking into 2013, the market in general is expected to soften, but other parts of periphery business will continue to show promise,” Noone said. “The strength of the Oshkosh manufacturing market should be resilient enough to withstand any softening.” Prickett believes growth will be slow, but there will still be economic growth for Oshkosh in 2013, especially in business expansions. According to Tom Scharpf, broker/owner Thomas James Real Estate, LLC, things are looking up for Oshkosh in 2013. “2013 is very promising,” Scharpf said. “Many of our listings are active with two properties currently in contract. One property that is in contract is with a company with two locations in other cities that has now chosen Oshkosh for their third location.” Oshkosh Chamber staff attended the 2nd Annual Site Selectors Guild in New Orleans in February 2013 to promote opportunities in Oshkosh. "The Site Selectors Guild is a great opportunity to interact with some of the world's most respected site consultants to discuss all Oshkosh offers from a business development perspective," Kleman said. Oshkosh will likely experience economic growth again in 2013 due to activities like these as well as the Opportunity Oshkosh campaign attracting new business to the area. The Oshkosh Chamber recently conducted a 2013 Business Outlook survey. The results reveal local owners and managers are expecting improvement for 2013. Of the respondents, 67.6 percent are projecting that 2013 sales revenue will surpass 2012 levels, with 22.5 percent of the respondents forecasting sales increases greater than 10 percent. “People in our business have an inside look at NewsWave ̻


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business trends and forecasted performance,” Dempsey said. “The financial information we have been looking at shows improved profitability and, to some extent, increased sales,” Dempsey said. “We are seeing more confidence from customers in their sales and profitability projections as well,” Dempsey said. “Some capital spending budgets are starting to emerge with this confidence.” Noone agrees. “Commercial real estate development should continue to be strong as more credit grade tenants look to Oshkosh as a primary market and the new 41 corridor develops,” Noone said. “We also see great opportunity in the solid manufacturing base in Oshkosh. We are looking to provide more capital to that market as it continues to grow.” “We are also expecting there to be gains in technology companies and the focus on efforts to support the technology industry whether that comes in the form of very entrepreneurial efforts or the attraction of companies to the area to leverage the knowledge asset the University brings,” Noone said. “Overall, the condition of the economy is stable to improving, but the pace of improvement will be deliberate,” Belter said.

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Oshkosh welcomed many new businesses to the area this year and many more existing businesses expanded. What follows is a list of new businesses and expansions in Oshkosh during 2012.

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North Side •

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Fair Acres, 55-unit apartment complex constructed Dollar Tree, opened on Jackson Street 920 Tattoo, opened at 578 N. Main Cherry Berry Yogurt Bar, will open early 2013 The Dragonfly, opened at 1938 Algoma Oaklawn Elementary, renovation began, expected completion August, 2013 N.E.W. Pawsibilities, opened at 2300 Algoma Blvd. Bergstrom expanded their services adding a Dodge and Chrysler dealership in Oshkosh and a new location is under construction on Jackson St. Gallmar Industries, added 40 new jobs Muza Metal Products, opened new 47,000-squarefoot facility, creating up to 125 new jobs Nutrition Supply Company, relocated and expanded on Jackson Street

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Impromed, opened new 10,000-square-foot office, creating up to 20 new jobs Evco Plastics, completed construction on new 30,000-square-foot facility, creating up to 20 new jobs Dockside Tavern, opened in former Boatyard Grill CitizensFirst Credit Union, opened Witzel Avenue office Tamara’s Bakery LLC, relocated to 1527 Oregon St. (Schoenberger’s old location) Teal Consulting, relocated to S. Main TJ’s Harbor Restaurant, opened at 7098 S. US Highway 45 Aquire Restoration, expanded and relocated to 2721 Oregon St.

West Side • • •

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River Walk, construction underway City Center Hotel, closed for remodel after sale February 14, 2012, re-opening April 2013 Caramel Crisp & Cafe, added gift shop and 1,500 square feet to downtown store Darabosh Tax & Accounting, relocated to 100 N. Main Fleur Couture, opened at 423 N. Main Manila Resto, opened September 8 Bella Academy, expanded and relocated to 338 Pearl Folklore LLC, relocated to 576 N. Main Nutrition Discount Center, expanded and relocated to 463 N. Main At First Sight Sunglasses, relocated to 419 N. Main Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau, moving downtown (100 N. Main) Schaefer-Behnke Group, relocated to Main St. Amanda Brayton Photography, relocated downtown Frame Me By Mamee, relocated to 319B Pearl Ave. Marilyn’s Resale Therapy, opened at 511 N. Main Hillary Quella Photography moved to 11 Merritt Ave. University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Alumni Welcome and Conference Center, broke ground on 40,000-square-foot meeting facility Paine Art Center and Gardens, expanded

Olive Garden, 7,000-square-foot restaurant opened US Cellular, opened new 4,500-square-foot store at 1280 S. Koeller TJ Maxx, 24,000-square-foot store opened

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Jay Manufacturing, opened 53,000-square-foot expansion to its 20th Avenue headquarters Qdoba, opened 2,500-square-foot restaurant Green 3, added new SQR software and marketing line Sakura Japanese Steakhouse and Hibachi, opened Anytime Fitness, expanded CVS Pharmacy, opening on Ninth and Koeller in 2013 Kwik Trip, two new locations on Ninth and Witzel Jo-Ann Fabric, 18,000-square-foot location to open spring 2013 next to TJ Maxx Highway 21/41 interchange, opened October 29 Butcher Block Meats & Cheese, opened at 234 N. Koeller Big Rig Chrome Shop, under construction on Washburn Wihlm Dental, relocated to 2530 W. Ninth Ave. Multi-Storage LLC, opened at 2211 W. Waukau Ave. Horicon Bank, new office at 2251 Omro Rd. under construction F.N. Sheppard & Company, addition to existing industrial facility Affinity-Mercy Medical Center, 29 surgeries performed by diVinci SI robot, robot obtained in October 2012 to minimize incision, scarring and length of stay in hospital

• Dress Barn, expanded • EmbroidMe - Oshkosh, opened at 1171 S. Washburn St. • Excel Physical Therapy LLC, expanded • Green Light Coffee, opened on South Park Avenue • Skier’s and Golfer’s Outlet Store, expanded • Strong Chiropractic, relocated to 2100 Omro Road, Ste. B • Sublime Hair Studio, LLC, opened • Weight Watchers, opened • Target Outreach, relocated and expanded

Butcher Block Meats & Cheese celebrates the opening of its store in 2012.

A Great Fit Continental Girbau is a global commercial laundry equipment manufacturer, headquartered in VIC (Barcelona) Spain. Our North American operations started in Oshkosh with the help of the community’s economic development specialists. Our goal was to find an accessible, centralized location for distribution along with good work force availability. Our parent company had considered Savannah, Georgia, however we found the expertise, the cost of doing business and the work ethic to be much better in Oshkosh. I believe businesses succeed in Oshkosh because of the openness of the community and the available resources to help companies like ours succeed. Michael Floyd President, Continental Girbau, Inc.

The Opportunity Oshkosh marketing campaign is a collaborative public/private partnership designed to enhance economic development and promote job growth within the greater Oshkosh area.

For retail, commercial or industrial opportunities, Oshkosh makes business happen! - OpportunityOshkosh.com

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Business tax law changes for 2013 By Jason Feltz, CPA, Partner

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he American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA) addresses some overdue 2012 tax provisions, and makes significant changes that begin in 2013. Understanding the changes can help business owners with their tax strategies over the next several months. Business provisions, including extended depreciation incentives During the recession, Congress enacted measures intended to provide short-term economic stimulus in the form of several enhanced first-year depreciation incentives for businesses. In 2012, a 50 percent first-year bonus depreciation deduction applied for purchases of new (not used) assets other than real estate. Also, an enhanced $500,000 Section 179 first-year depreciation allowance applied for tax years beginning in 2011. ATRA continues both of these incentives. The 50 percent first-year bonus is extended one year and applies to eligible property acquired and placed in service within calendar year 2013. The enhanced $500,000 Section 179 limit was restored on a retroactive basis, applying for tax years beginning in 2012 and 2013. A corresponding adjustment increases the “too big to get it” asset addition limitation to $2 million for the Section 179 deduction. Profitable businesses with capital equipment needs will want to consider purchases in 2013. When these temporary first-year depreciation incentives end, we’ll drop back to a Section 179 deduction that is likely be in the vicinity of $140,000.

401(k) plan Roth rollovers Businesses with a 401(k) elective deferral retirement plan will want to consider amending their plan to take advantage of a new feature. ATRA allows employees to internally convert pre-tax accounts to nontaxable Roth status. A conversion triggers taxable income, of course, but this opportunity allows important flexibility for workers who might want to shift their retirement savings to a permanently tax-free accumulation vehicle. This new flexibility is allowed for internal retirement plan transfers after 2012, but only if the employer plan has been modified to provide this Roth conversion feature. Various business extenders A variety of business tax credit and deduction privileges expired on December 31, 2011. Those were virtually all renewed for two years, and include important tax credits such as the research and development credit, and the work opportunity tax credit for hiring various categories of disadvantaged workers. Only two extenders dropped out of the tax law: An enhanced charitable contribution privilege for donating book inventories to public schools, and a similar provision for donating computer equipment for educational purposes.

Several other provisions will interest business owners: S corporation built-in gains tax Normally, when a C corporation converts to S corporation status, it continues to be subject to a potential double tax for the first 10 years as an S corporation. However, prior legislation had temporarily shortened the reach of this tax to five years, effective for S corporation tax years beginning in 2011. The new legislation continues that shortened five-year rule for tax years beginning in 2012 and 2013. Further, if an installment sale originates in an S corporation tax year beginning after 2011, all payments collected under the installment note are either exempt from the built-in gains tax (if the entity has been an S corporation for five years) or are subject to the built-in gains tax (if the sale starts within the first five years of leaving C corporation status).

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Jason Feltz, CPA, is a tax partner in the Oshkosh office of CliftonLarsonAllen. He can be reached at (920) 231-5890 or jason.feltz@ cliftonlarsonallen.com

To ensure compliance imposed by IRS Circular 230, any U. S. federal tax advice contained in this communication (including attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by governmental tax authorities.

Meet Your Ambassador

Jodi (Missy) Vandermolen, 92.9 WXMM Account Executive, has been a Chamber Ambassador for about one year. Why did you choose to become an Ambassador? With my previous job I was active in the community, and with my position at Woodward Radio I wanted to stay active with the Oshkosh Community and thought this was a perfect fit. And it is.

FVTC graduates come prepared with the skills required for today’s complex work environment. Patty Van Ryzin VP-Human Resources Bassett Mechanical

Post your job openings on Wisconsin TechConnect, your online resource for Wisconsin technical college graduates. It’s fast, easy to use, and free!

Wisconsin TechConnect

Student Employment Services

What do you enjoy about being an Ambassador? I enjoy meeting people and making new friendships with other Ambassadors and Oshkosh Chamber members. I also enjoy helping new businesses grow in our community. The Chamber is a great resource for networking and getting the word out for new businesses! What are the benefits? As an Ambassador you are given the opportunity to have fun and network with other leaders within in the community. As Chamber Ambassadors, we are often the first community representatives a new business owner meets, so it’s the perfect opportunity to make new business connections.

www.fvtc.edu/ses-employers (920) 735-JOBS (5627) [email protected]

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Oshkosh Chamber programs and seminars The following seminars are held at no charge for Oshkosh Chamber members. To register, call (920) 303-2266 or register on our website at http://www.oshkoshchamber.com/event-calendar/.

Social Hub: Pinterest Overview Thursday, April 11 7:30-8:30 a.m. Oshkosh Chamber building

Breakfast Briefing: “Employee Handbooks” Thursday, March 7 7:30 a.m. registration, program from 8-9:30 a.m. Hilton Garden Inn Oshkosh (1355 W. 20th Avenue) Host: Davis & Kuelthau, S.C.

“401(k) Trustee Risks & Remedies” seminar Thursday, April 25 7:30-9 a.m. Oshkosh Chamber building Presenter: Joan McDonagh, ERISA attorney

Bring your employee handbook as representatives from Davis & Kuelthau, S.C. walk us through an audit of an employee handbook. If you don't currently have an employee handbook, come find out why you should have one and what should and shouldn't be in it.

While a 401(k) plan can be an effective tool for hiring and retaining employees, proper plan management is essential to both the success of the plan and protection from liability for business owners, trustees, and other fiduciaries. Joan is a seasoned ERISA attorney from Milwaukee that specializes in 401(k) risk mitigation and she is the co-author of the 401(k) Answer Book. She will discuss sources of risk to employers when sponsoring a retirement plan, as well as some of the common mistakes and remedies. Joan will also explain and explore Fiduciary liability as it relates to 3(21) and 3(38) Investment Fiduciary Services – which are the hot new topic plan administrators and trustees need to be aware of.

Social Hub: Facebook Overview Thursday, March 14 7:30-8:30 a.m. Oshkosh Chamber building “Introduction to Worksite Wellness” seminar Thursday, March 21 7:30-9 a.m. Oshkosh Chamber building Presenters: Amy Richter, Wellness Consultant, Associated Financial Group and Ragan Cheney, HR Consultant, Associated Financial Group Workplace wellness is more than just a corporate buzz word. It is a “must-have” corporate strategy for employers of all sizes and it has proven statistically to help reduce rising health plan costs, improve productivity and even lower workers’ compensation costs. Whether you are a leader recently charged with investigating the benefits of implementing a workplace wellness initiative or a leader wanting to find new ways to reenergize your existing wellness program, this seminar is right for you. “What is the Cloud and How Can it Save Your Business Money” seminar Thursday, March 28 7:30-9 a.m. Oshkosh Chamber building Presenter: Mitch Christian, Cyber Consulting and Security Your business is probably already using the cloud and you may not even realize it. We will define what the cloud is and how it can benefit existing and startup businesses. Subjects such as security, dependability and cost of moving more to the cloud will be discussed. We will also show you how to determine your current IT costs and how the cloud can reduce those costs. Join us to learn about cloud technology and how using it can help you take advantage of the latest technologies.

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Local business people benefit from Brian Beaulieu's economic forecast in February.

Ribbon Cuttings

Care Hospital for Animals 815 Witzel Avenue

Kwik Trip 2115 Jackson Street

Hendrickson Chiropractic & Wellness Center 2020 Jackson Street

Wihlm Dental 2530 W. Ninth Avenue

Azura Memory Care of Oshkosh 2220 Brookview Court

Stellar Blue Web Design LLC 1580 Lyon Dr. Neenah

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Calendar of Events March Breakfast Briefing: “Employee Handbooks” March 7 7:30 a.m. registration, program from 8-9:30 a.m. Hilton Garden Inn Oshkosh Sales Club March 12 7:30-8:30 a.m. Oshkosh Chamber building Social Hub: Facebook Overview March 14 7:30-8:30 a.m. Oshkosh Chamber building Leadership Oshkosh Information Session March 14 4 p.m. Oshkosh Chamber building Night Owl Tweet Up March 20 5 p.m. Location TBD “Introduction to Worksite Wellness” seminar with Amy Richter and Ragan Cheney, Associated Financial Group March 21 7:30-9 a.m. Oshkosh Chamber building

Business After Hours March 21 5-7 p.m. 100 N. Main St.

Early Bird Social Media Breakfast April 17 7:30-9 a.m. UW-Fond du Lac

“What is the Cloud and How Can it Save Your Business Money” seminar with Mitch Christian, Cyber Consulting and Security March 28 7:30-9 a.m. Oshkosh Chamber building

Business After Hours April 18 5-7 p.m. Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh (501 E. Parkway Avenue) Fluorescent Tube Recycling Day April 24 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunnyview Materials Recovery Facility (105 W. County Hwy Y)

April Sales Club April 9 7:30-8:30 a.m. Oshkosh Chamber building

A.M. Oshkosh April 23 7:45-9 a.m. Encore Event Planning/44 North (146 Algoma Blvd. Ste. C)

Youth Leadership Oshkosh Graduation April 10 12-2:30 p.m. Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh (501 E. Parkway Avenue)

“401K Trustee Risks and Remedies” seminar with Joan McDonagh, ERISA attorney April 25 7:30-9 a.m. Oshkosh Chamber building

Social Hub: Pinterest Overview April 11 7:30-8:30 a.m. Oshkosh Chamber building

New Members Azura Memory Care of Oshkosh Assisted Living 2220 Brookview Court, Oshkosh Phone: (920) 284-6592 Contact: Mr. Josh McClellan Change Management | Communications Center Business Consultants 3489 Sheppard Drive, Oshkosh Phone: (920) 420-5131 Contact: Ms Tina Schuelke

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Kingsbury, Inc. Manufacturers/ Distributors 455 W. Waukau Avenue, Oshkosh Phone: (920) 236-3920 Contact: Mr. George Gunther Murken Insurance, LLC Insurance 2380 State Road 44, Ste. I, Oshkosh Phone: (920) 235-2085 Contact: Ms. Mary J. Murken

Quality Paint & Coatings Coatings - Protective P.O. Box 279, Pickett Physical address: 6610 State Road 44, Pickett Phone: (920) 233-3039 Contact: Ms. Amanda Damaschke

A.M. Oshkosh Date TBD 7:45-9 a.m. Oracular 300 Ohio Street Sponsored by:

Credit Card, ATM and POS Processing Services

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Remember when honesty, integrity and service were everything? We never forgot. We strive to provide the highest quality, lowest cost solution while maintaining that personal touch unrivaled by larger companies.

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Coming Up Next Month Retail and Hospitality POS

We build bonds, not numbers. Visit our Showroom at: 60DLQ6W2VKNRVK:, 326$706ZZZ&RUQHUVWRQH36FRP

SAM4s and Casio Cash Registers

Tuesday, April 23 7:45-9 a.m. Encore Event Planning and 44° North Advertising & Design 146 Algoma Blvd. Ste. C

Register for A.M. Oshkosh Phone (920) 303-2266 Online http://www.oshkoshchamber. com/event-calendar/ The cost is $2 per event for Oshkosh Chamber members.

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Business Briefs Oshkosh-based dental practice Govani Dental recently introduced a canine-assisted pet therapy program to ease and enhance patient visits to the dentist. Candeo Creative promoted Ben Korinek to Creative Director. Korinek previously held the position of Account Executive. Colleen Merrill, a UW Oshkosh alumnae with baccalaureate and MBA degrees and experience in the institution’s Business Success Center, has taken the lead as director of the UW Oshkosh Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Two of Wisconsin’s most respected independent insurance agencies have joined forces with the acquisition of Burkart-Heisdorf Insurance Agency Inc. by McClone. The acquisition was completed December 31, 2012. Cellcom has launched an application to track Wisconsin high school sports’ teams. The Varsity by Cellcom app allows users to track their favorite varsity teams and get scores, statistics, schedules, standings, roster information and news. Jeffrey E. Beck has joined local real estate company, Beiser Realty, LLC, a non-franchised company with local roots and deep ties to community involvement. Bank First, subsidiary of the parent company First Manitowoc Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQB: FMWC), reported a 22 percent increase in consolidated net income for the year ended December 31, 2012, as compared to the prior year.

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First Weber Group would like to congratulate all of their top producers in 2012: Megan Lang, Sheri Knepel, Bob Mathe, Kris Janasik, Steve Poeschl, Bob McGuire, Kim DiGiorgio Mueller, Carol Bricco-Hernke, Paul Getchel, Mary Boss, Dave Grey, Robin Evans, Darlene Darrow, Linda Werner, Deb Basler, Bill Schlichting, Jan Murphy, Colleen Soward, Pat Schumerth, Ken Tritt, Keith Decker andGrant Schwab. Cassandra Knight has joined Greg Pierce and Kim Molitor, the Oshkosh team for Reinhart Partners at 2380 State Road 44, Suite A. Knight has over 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry, specifically in the areas of Trust Accounts and Irrevocable Trusts, Investment Management, and Estate Planning. Michelle Berndt is the new Catering Sales Manager at Hilton Garden Inn – Oshkosh. The Oshkosh Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group office is pleased to announce their December Chairman's Circle: Chris Schultz, Chris Neu and Charles & Cheryl Pawlosky. Rick & Pat Miller, owners of Culver’s of Oshkosh, announce the promotion of Dana Reyes to General Manager of Culver’s, 1580 S. Koeller St. Reyes has been assistant manager at Culver’s on Koeller since 2009.

Business After Hours March 21 5-7 p.m. 100 N. Main building Sponsored by: Cranky Pats Pizzeria & Pub, Darabosh Tax & Accounting, LLC, Farmers Insurance, Schaefer Behnke Group

Food sponsored by: Cranky Pats Pizzeria & Pub

Register for Business After Hours

Beverages sponsored by: Pepsi and Lee Beverage

Phone (920) 303-2266 Online http://www.oshkoshchamber.com/event-calendar/ Admission Fees: $6 preregistered, $7 at the door

Coming Up Next Month

(Register by 1 p.m. the day of the event to receive the $6 rate)

April 18 5-7 p.m. Boys & Girls Club 501 E. Parkway Avenue

Stay in touch with new connections on Twitter: #OshBAH

professionals ...where

emerge as

leaders.

One Master of Business Administration Degree.

Two Paths. Professional & Executive. Thinking about getting your MBA? Choose the path that fits your level of expierience, career goals and time commitment. Discover how our Professional MBA could be right for you or find out about our new Executive MBA in Appleton starting in fall 2013. For more information, visit uwosh.edu/go/mba or call 920-424-3199 or toll-free 800-633-1430.

Holly Brenner, BBA ‘98, MBA ‘09 Director of Marketing & Business Development Agnesian HealthCare, Fond du Lac

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Leadership Oshkosh Information Session: March 14 Do you want to learn more about Oshkosh to be better prepared to serve your community? If so, you’re invited to a Leadership Oshkosh information session on Thursday, March 14 at 4 p.m. at the Oshkosh Chamber building. Hear from community leaders and past and present Leadership Oshkosh participants on what Leadership Oshkosh means to the community and how alumni have used their training. The session is FREE and will provide an overview of the Oshkosh Chamber’s Leadership Oshkosh program for those interested in registering for the 2013-2014 class. For more information or to register for this session, contact Kathy Bermingham at (920) 303-2265 ext. 32 or [email protected]

Take care of all of your recycling needs and SAVE MONEY on Fluorescent Tube Recycling Day Do you have a supply of old fluorescent tubes, batteries or computer components? Recycle these items during the annual Fluorescent Tube Recycling Day sponsored by the Oshkosh Chamber and Lamp Recyclers, Inc. Recycling is available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 25 at the Sunnyview Material Recovery Facility. Through this program, Oshkosh Chamber members can save money on recycling a number of items. Special pickup is available for businesses with more than 500 bulbs. For more information, contact Megan Kok at (920) 303-2265 ext. 16 or [email protected] or visit our website at http://www.oshkoshchamber.com/news/.

Teach. Appreciate. Celebrate. Celebrate Education An evening to honor and support Oshkosh educators, and recognize innovative partners and dedicated volunteers for education! 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday, March 25, 2013 Awards presentation at 5 p.m. Oshkosh Convention Center 2 N. Main Street, Oshkosh RESERVE YOUR SEAT BY MARCH 22, 2013 Call 920-426-3993 or register online at www.OshkoshAreaCF.org

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NewsWave March 2013

Batzner Pest Management Seminar is coming to Oshkosh! SAVE THE ! DATE

Pest Management, Inc.

800.878.2110 | Batzner.com

Are you looking to increase your business’ visibility? We have the solution! Our new website at www.oshkoshchamber. com provides targeted, affordable advertising solutions for Oshkosh Chamber members. Advertising space is available on every page on our website, including our home page. Our new website receives more than 300,000 hits per month and more than 5,000 views (individual page statistics vary, but are available upon request). We are also excited to announce advertising opportunities in our new Monday Morning Memo e-mail blast, which is a brand new opportunity for our members. Monday Morning Memo is sent to about 2,000 e-mail addresses each week. We also continue to offer affordable advertising options through our Member 2 Member e-mail blasts as well as our Member Matters newsletter, NewsWave magazine, Profiles of Oshkosh magazine and annual membership directory. Check out our updated 2013 Media Kit for pricing and more information on advertising opportunities with the Oshkosh Chamber. Our Media Kit is available on our website at http:// www.oshkoshchamber.com/business-resources/ start-a-business/advertising-and-promotion/ or by contacting Susie Martini-Loker at (920) 303-2265 ext. 29 or [email protected].

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Meet Eri Erin E in V Vacheresse acheresse h and dM Mei eii Bloechl, Bloechl Bl hl professional professi f ionall bankers bankkers ready ready d to provide you with a first-class banking experience. When it comes to understanding your financial needs, their knowledge and hightouch service make them a valuable banking partner. Mei and Erin are trusted financial resources committed to work with you to create solutions tailored to suit your unique personal needs. 101 City Center, Oshkosh 920-237-5126 BELLEVUE | ASHWAUBENON | MANITOWOC TWO RIVERS | MISHICOT | FRANCIS CREEK ST. NAZIANZ | KIEL | PLYMOUTH | SHEBOYGAN Member FDIC

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NewsWave March 2013

Ask the Expert - Social media marketing: The new marketing frontier here’s a new kid on the marketing block and he T (or she) is growing bigger and stronger. Social media marketing has become the largest and most profitable form of marketing, in fact, according to a recent study conducted by Google, more marketing dollars were spent in 2012 on social media marketing than print, for the first time ever. Local businesses have a lot to gain from using social media marketing in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace. Social media marketing can provide opportunities to connect with consumers and businesses to spread your brand message, generate new streams of revenue and network. Social media marketing increases your search engine optimization ranking, creates a community around your brand, allows you to market, advertise and communicate instantly with your customers and clients, allows you to reach into new markets, and so, so much more. They say that word of mouth marketing is the most powerful, we at Candeo Creative agree. The verbal word of mouth has been increasingly more digitized and the average consumer, right here in Oshkosh, are talking about their experiences with other businesses online. Here’s a scenario for you: You own a pizza place and I eat there for lunch. The pizza was terrible, I leave unhappy. Once I return to the office, I complain to a few people but once the clock strikes 5, I am tired of complaining about it. Okay, a few people know about my bad experience, not too much damage done, right? What if I were to pull out my smartphone and update my status on Facebook to say this: “Just had the WORST pizza in my life at XYZ Pizza Place, never going there again!” How many people will that reach? Many more than the few I spoke with at the office. Uh-oh, my friends go on my Facebook and commented on it, more people see the update, your brand just got hit a lot harder. Are you out there watching these conversations online now?

Expanding a company’s business online is not only about self-promotion but also developing referrals by consumers and a community around a specific brand. If a customer posts about great service or something that they really enjoyed, this can spread interest in your company and help your business grow. A business can also have promotions or giveaways if a customer comes in from a referral that was mentioned on a webpage. This is a great way for a business to show their appreciation and to get customers wanting to come back. If neighboring businesses are on social networks, this serves a powerful way for your business to get on board and network with other local companies. Businesses can gain relationships with other owners and help promote each other’s business. Social media marketing acts as the new frontier of marketing, a way for a local business to connect with consumers and increase its brand awareness and market penetration. Advertising on social media is an inexpensive way to promote a brand and expand your reach throughout the community, and beyond. People are talking about your brand on social media as you read this. It’s up to you who controls the conversation.

Did you know, the average user spends over an hour and a half on social media per day? Social media marketing gives local businesses a chance to communicate with consumers and other businesses directly and instantly through targeted content messaging and advertising. Consumers can go to a company’s networking page to share their feedback and thoughts about the business. If any problems are shared, businesses can act fast and fix the issue as quickly as possible. That being said, social media websites have been deemed as the new customer service tool of our time. Utilizing social media can give a business a better understanding of what their consumers are looking for and allows them to join the conversation with their customers. Take for example, the pizza place example, what if I had a great experience? I could easily share with my social media followers how much I love your pizza, thus driving more people saying positive things about your brand.

Zack Pawlosky is the owner of Candeo Creative.

NewsWave www.oshkoshchamber.com

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Around the Town Exhibits Oshcar Awards Now-April 28 Oshkosh Public Museum Folk Art Now-Spring 2013 Oshkosh Public Museum Rooms of Blooms March 7-10 The Paine Art Center and Gardens

YMCA Dive In Movie Night March 15 6-8 p.m. Downtown YMCA Missoula Children’s Theatre: Blackbeard the Pirate March 16 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Grand Opera House Oshkosh Community Band Spring Concert March 16 7 p.m. Alberta Kimball Auditorium

March Oshkosh Saturday Farmer’s Market - Winter March 2, March 16, March 30 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Becket’s Atrium in City Center EAA Family Flight Fest March 2-4 10 a.m.-4 p.m. EAA AirVenture Museum Miss Oshkosh Scholarship Pageant March 2 7:30 p.m. p Alberta Kimball Auditorium Hops & Props March 9 5:30 p.m. EAA AirVenture Museum

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March 2013

Oshkosh on Broadway 2013-Grand Opera House Benefit March 23 6-10 p.m. Grand Opera House YMCA Family Night March 23 6-8 p.m. Oshkosh Community YMCA on 20th Ave. 2013 WPS Farm Show March 26-28 9 a.m.-4 p.m. EAA AirVenture Grounds “North 40”

April Oshkosh Saturday Farmer’s Market – Winter April 6, April 20 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Becket’s Atrium in City Center YMCA Dive In Movie Night April 12 6-8 p.m. Downtown YMCA American Heart Association – 2013 Oshkosh Heartchase April 13 8-11:30 a.m. Winnebago County Park Harmonious Wail at the Grand April 13 7:30-9:30 p.m. Grand Opera House YMCA Family Night April 20 6-8 p.m. Oshkosh Community YMCA on 20th Ave. Jim Witter’s – It’s Still Rock ‘N Roll To Me April p 26 7:30-9:30 p.m. Grand Opera House WineFeast 2013 April 27 7 p.m. Oshkosh Convention Center

Member Spotlight the company. Blanck credits his brother Sam with playing a crucial role in the company’s development since then. “My brother started here 10 years ago and he’s been head of the architectural department for about the last eight years, and now he is co-owner and vice president of the By Andrew Hanlon company,” Blanck said. “He’s taking on more management roles as well. He’s been an Muza Sheet Metal Co. LLC has been integral part of building this business,” Blanck a staple of the Oshkosh business community said. for more than 85 years. Its talented staff, along Carven and Sam took sole ownership of with a dedication to customer satisfaction, sets the Muza Sheet Metal Co. LLC two years ago Muza apart from its competitors. and are extremely excited to carry the Muza So does the variety of services the tradition well into the future. company is able to provide. Muza’s business is growing, which can “We’re a specialty sheet metal be seen through the expansion of the locations contractor,” said Muza President Carven in which the company is willing to work. Blanck. “We deal with architectural sheet “We’re kind of extending where we go,” metal, industrial ventilation, dust collection, Blanck said. “It used to be we wouldn’t go any and custom fabrication. further south of Milwaukee or any further north “About 60 percent of our business is of Green Bay, but we’re growing, and to do architectural sheet metal and about 15 percent that, you have to go other places to get the is industrial ventilation, and then some dust work.” collection and HVAC.” Blanck believes being a member of the Blanck started with the company just 15 Oshkosh Chamber and the recognition that years ago as a shop manager, and has since can come along with Chamber membership worked his way up to owner and president of has been beneficial for Muza. “It’s good to be part of the community,” Blanck said. “Name recognition is a good thing and you get that with the Chamber. It’s nice to have your name out there and it’s good for networking,” Blanck said. Although Muza has already been in business for more than 80 years, Blanck believes the company’s best days are still ahead. “We’re a young company,” Blanck said. “I know we’ve been around forever, but I’m 40, my brother’s 36, and we just see the company going up. “We try to be a progressive company and move things forward.” Sam Blanck, vice president Muza Sheet Metal Co. LLC, left; Carven Muza Sheet Metal Co. LLC 51 W. Fernau Avenue Oshkosh, WI 54901 (920) 235-4960 www.muzasheetmetal.com Year established: 1928 Number of employees: 100

Blanck, president Muza Sheet Metal Co. LLC, right NewsWave ̻


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Oshksoh Chamber of Commerce 120 Jackdson St. Oshkosh, WI 54901