Kuss Filtration Recognized

Chippewa County
Economic
Development
Corporation
Promoting a great
place to raise a family &
Vo lu m e
Business!
1 5,
I s su e
1
Sp ri ng
20 1 6
Kuss Filtration Recognized
R E AD
ABOUT
Annual
Meeting
2
Business of
the Year
3
Economic
Development
Week
4-5
Leadership
Recognized
The CCEDC Business of the Year awards
were presented at CCEDC’s 21st Annual
Meeting, which was held on Friday, May 20,
2016, at the Chippewa Valley Regional
Airport. CCEDC was honored to have
Governor Scott Walker present the awards to
the recipients. Annually CCEDC presents
Business of the Year Awards to businesses in
the four quadrants of Chippewa County, and
Chippewa Valley Newspapers choses an
overall winner out of the four award recipients.
The Quadrant 1 as well as the overall
Business of the Year award went to Kuss
Filtration. Kuss is a privately held company of
Industrial Opportunity Partners, LLC (IOP) and
The Kuss Filtration Team after wining the 2016
a
leading designer and manufacturer of air and
Overall Chippewa County Business of the Year
liquid filtration products for OEMs, and
Award
Aftermarket. The Bloomer plant was
established in 1965 and has been in continuous operation at its original location since,
producing air and oil filters for the small engine, outdoor power sports, automotive, heavy
duty truck and off road farm and construction equipment.
During the past three years, the Bloomer location has increased its workforce by
15% and has brought in more business than ever before. Over this same time period, the
company has invested over $1.5 million in the Bloomer facility and plans to invest another
$650K this year, showcasing the company’s commitment to the Bloomer community. Kuss
Business Awards, continued on page 2
The Year of the Economic Developer
7
CCEDC
770 Technology Way
Chippewa Falls,
Wisconsin 54729
715-723-7150
Fax: 715-723-7140
ccedc@chippewa-wi.com
www.chippewa-wi.com
It took a great deal of forethought 34 years
ago when Chippewa County leaders recognized that an independent authority, rather
than a department of the county government, would be a better mechanism to pursue the kind of economic development a
growing county needs. Through that decision and with tremendous leadership, the
Chippewa County Economic Development
Council was created, which 11 years later
incorporated into the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation
(CCEDC).
Today CCEDC knows and promotes Chippewa County as a desirable place to work,
learn, live, interact, socialize, and recreate-
www.chippewa-wi.com
CCEDC realizes when these opportunities
are sustained in balance, the County prospers. Promoting Chippewa County’s economic prosperity and quality of life depends
on a proactive approach to diversifying the
economy. It also requires a concerted effort
to support the strengths of our existing companies and growth industries (including agriculture, retail, office and manufacturing) and
to target industries that will drive diverse job
creation, complement the strengths of Chippewa County, and promote a climate for
90 Years, continued on page 7
Page 2
Annual Meeting
The CCEDC’s 2015/2016 annual meeting was held on May 20,
2016, and this year’s theme was elevating economic
development! To celebrate the organizations accomplishments,
CCEDC held their 21st annual event in the Hawthorne Aviation
Hangar of the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport. CCEDC was
excited to have Volume One’s Advertising & Business
Development Director Brian Maki as the emcee for the event. A
breakfast presentation was provided by Elizabeth McCormick, a
Governor Scott Walker
former US Army Black Hawk pilot. McCormick shared her story
of becoming a Black Hawk pilot and shared her experiences flying
command and control, in air assault, rappelling, performing topsecret intelligence missions, and also transporting high level
government VIPs. She used these experiences to relay a
message of believing in yourself to accomplish your goals, remain
focused to become more effective, and to lead from where you are
while influencing others to climb to a higher level of success- she
also took the opportunity to teach attendees how to fly! The
Abundant Networking
event’s keynote speaker was Governor Scott Walker,
Wisconsin’s 45th and current Governor. Walker shared that Wisconsin’s ranking for business desirability from
Chief Executive Magazine has risen from 41st to 11th- he thanked the businesses in attendance for this
incredible turnaround- he also citied tax relief efforts, investment in the technical colleges, and government
program reform to Wisconsin’s improved business climate. Following the keynote address Walker and the
CCEDC took the opportunity to recognize outgoing board members
Dennis Bachman of Citizens Connected who served as a CCEDC
Board Member 2008-2016 and CCEDC Chairman 2014-2016; Mike
Leisz, Integrated Print and Promotional Solutions who served on
the CCEDC Board 2012-2016; Jay Andress of Cornell Area Care
Center who served on the CCEDC Board 2010-2016; and Brandi
Hunt, TTM Technologies who served as a CCEDC board member
2014-2016. (see photos on back cover) The following new
Elizabeth McCormick
members were elected to the CCEDC board of directors: Rob
Mooney of Alliance Plastics as the New Auburn Representative for a 3 year term; Sheri Johnson of Mule
Hide Manufacturing as the Cornell Representative for a 3 year term; Ronald Haas of Martino’s Restaurant as
the Stanley Representative for a 1 year term; Sheridan Welch of TTM Technologies as a Chairman’s
Appointment for a 1 year term; and Tom Vandehey of Mid-State Truck Service as a Chairman’s Appointment
for a 2 year term. CCEDC would like to thank our outgoing board members and welcome the new members
to the CCEDC Board of Directors. Following the board member recognition Governor Walker assisted in
presenting the 2016 Chippewa County Business of the Year awards. The CCEDC annual meeting hosted
over 425 business leaders, investors and elected officials and was followed by CCEDC’s annual Chippewa
Charity Classic golf outing which was well attended and supported. (see photos on the back cover) The 2016
event proceeds went to Make a Wish Wisconsin!
www.chippewa-wi.com
Volume 15, Issue 1
Page 3
Business Awards, continued from Front Page
has spent over $375K in setting up a new air filtration test facility and upgraded its measurement lab
equipment to meet the stringent automotive and power sports requirements. The company has
invested in human capital to facilitate invention of new products and processes for providing better
performing filters to its North American customers.
In addition, Kuss is implementing a companywide Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that
collects real-time data from all of the equipment on the production floor. This combination of hardware
and software package records events and relevant production information in a central server connected
through a complex web of sensors and wireless communication devices. This server tracks overall
equipment effectiveness, operator interface, and ensures timely resolution of quality, productivity and
maintenance issues while providing a central one stop dashboard to the management and operations
team.
Locally, the Kuss team collaborated with CVTC for training technical staff members in
maintenance and control engineering, training of line leads, managers and supervisors in core
leadership training, safety improvements and assessments through frequent utilization of the WAT
grant offered by the state of Wisconsin. Operators are trained on completing their daily jobs, cross
training, and bench marketing exercises through ongoing training programs, standardized work
processes, and recent investment in a Cloud-based training software that ensures every operator is
trained in a timely manner. The company offers a competitive tuition reimbursement program for all
regular employees who want to improve their education and move up within the organization via skills
advancement or earning undergraduate or graduate degrees.
Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative (CVEC) in
Cornell was the winner for Quadrant 2. CVEC was
established in 1938 to provide electricity to the rural areas of
Chippewa and Rusk Counties. The organization currently
has 21 employees with 1,280 miles of line serving
approximately 7,500 accounts. The service area ranges from
six miles south of Stanley to the Dunn County line on
Highway 64.
During 2015, CVEC completed construction of a
Chippewa Valley Electric Coop
new headquarters building in Cornell. The building was
built on the existing site of the old building with a larger
garage space and spare offices for future growth.
Throughout the past few years, the utility has invested nearly $1 million to replace the aging plant and
to increase service reliability.
CVEC does ensure its employees receive continuous training opportunities. In fact, the
organization coordinates in-house safety meetings—10 per year—for outside employees. The company
also focuses on forward-thinking technologies so they can respond
to any issues quickly and efficiently.
The Quadrant 3 award winner was Vincent Tool of Lake
Hallie. The company started when a need was realized for a
quality mold base manufacturer in the Chippewa Valley. In January
2000, Vincent Tool hired its first two CNC machinists who are still
employed by the company today and through customer growth and
continued demand, the company continues to increase production,
revamp policies and procedures, enhance quality, and increase in
size. On average, Vincent Tool has created 1.25 full-time
Vincent Tool
employment opportunities yearly since inception.
Employee training is a focus at Vincent Tool, including ample learning after the purchase of
the horizontal machining center. Each year, employees are asked to attend annual conferences,
undergo CAD/CAM training and join the Octoberfest and IMTS tool show to see new technology, gain
ideas, and find answers to manufacturing problems and processes. Vincent Tool encourages
employees to continuously improve and ensures proper training and equipment to achieve their goals,
inside and outside of work.
SFR Industries won the award for Quadrant 4. Founded in Chippewa Falls in 1978 SFR began
operations in a 1,800 square foot building, and has evolved into a leading custom plastic profile
extrusion company competing on a national scale.
Now located in Cadott, Wisconsin, in a modern 66,000 square foot facility SFR Industries has
Business Awards, continued on page 6
www.chippewa-wi.com
Page 4
Economic Development Week
The week of May 8-14, 2016 was named Economic Development Week (EDW) by the International
Economic Development Council (IEDC) in commemoration of its 90-year anniversary as the largest
professional membership organization for economic developers. Economic developers are charged
with generating economic growth, creating better jobs for residents and facilitating an improved
quality of life. To celebrate EDW the CCEDC took part in several activities and events.
The economic development efforts for EDW have been showcased nationally and members of
Congress also highlighted the work of our nation’s economic developers through special resolutions
that now appear in the Congressional Record. CCEDC is honored to support celebrating IEDC’s 90th
anniversary in 2016 and EDW to highlight the importance and value of economic development
throughout our communities!
Resolutions Signed
The CCEDC and Chippewa County, WI have
both signed resolutions of support
with the IEDC to show our support for
economic development for our county
and for the industry.
Chippewa County Administrator Frank
Pascarella presenting the EDW resolution
Business Incubation
The Chippewa Valley took the opportunity
during EDW to recognize the importance of
small businesses and start-up companies, and
the benefits they provide to the areas economic
growth.
On May 11, 2016, area economic development
organizations, elected officials, past tenants,
and others visited the Chippewa Valley
Innovation Center (CVIC) to hear how it benefits our local economy. For over 30 years the CVIC has
been providing an array of business support resources and services that include capital, common
services, warehouse/manufacturing space, managerial support, and technical assistance to small
business and start-up companies. Since the CVIC has been up and running, it has provided about $18
million in salaries, and another $27 million in investments, from the products and services coming
from the businesses located in the building.
A reception celebrating small business and entrepreneurs
www.chippewa-wi.com
Entr
Page 5
EDW Activities
CCEDC joined Dove Healthcare, elected officials, and other invited guests for a Groundbreaking
Ceremony for Dove Healthcare's soon to be constructed, state-of-the-art skilled nursing and
rehabilitation facility. This event was held at the facilities soon to be new location at 2217 Duncan
Road in Bloomer, Wisconsin.
Dove Healthcare - Bloomer on Duncan Road, will provide a
beautiful, innovative environment for area seniors to enjoy
comfortable, spacious accommodations while continuing to
receive quality care 24/7. The new site will provide private
short-term and long-term care/rehabilitation rooms, deluxe
spas, a spacious rehabilitation gym with advanced
technology and equipment, an outdoor courtyard, and space
to accommodate community events and family dining.
Regional Director of Operations Jeremy Kiley said, "Our
intention is to be Bloomer's rehabilitation destination, with all
Ground Breaking at Dove Healthcare
of the latest amenities and services close to home. This new
facility is yet another expansion of our rehabilitation program. By investing heavily in our staff,
therapy gyms, and equipment, we ensure our patients receive the most advanced care and
progressive treatment." The residents and employees of the current facility will relocate to the
new facility when construction is completed in the spring of 2017. Additional employees will be
hired to meet the needs of the expanded building, including nursing, therapy, nutritional services,
and environmental services.
CCEDC congratulates Dove Healthcare on their recent expansion- this new state-of-the-art facility
is being constructed by Royal Construction of Eau Claire, WI.
WEDC’s Mark Hogan
A CCEDC Round Table luncheon was held at Martino’s Restaurant in
Stanley WI. During the event the WEDC Secretary and President Mark
Hogan provided attendees with an overview of the WEDC’s mission,
activities, and programming available ~ all meant to assist business with
expansions, relocations, start-up, workforce development, and foreign
direct investment. Those who attended were given the opportunity to ask
questions to Hogan and the topics discussed ranged from workforce
development to business retention.
Following the luncheon the attendees and Hogan joined
others at Film Tech LLC in Stanley for a ribbon cutting to
celebrate the company’s recent expansion to
accommodate a new production line. With approximately
24 employees, Film Tech LLC offers both full-time and
part-time roles. Film Tech LLC also has an international
customer base, which includes product shipments to
countries such as Ireland, the United Kingdom, Malaysia,
and Mexico. Film Tech LLC manufactures rolls of clear
and colored coextruded and single layer films; their films
are used by medical product designers, flexible
Film Tech Ribbon Cutting
packaging converters, bag makers, and component
manufacturers for unique and proprietary applications throughout the world.
About the International Economic Development Council: The
International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is nonprofit membership organization dedicated to helping economic
development professionals improve the quality of life in their
regions, and represents the largest network of economic development professionals in the world. IEDC is a conduit used to
keep members up to date on the latest economic development trends and to support the creation of
more high-quality jobs, improve the quality of life and develop more vibrant communities.
www.chippewa-wi.com
Volume 15, Issue 1
Page 6
Business Awards, continued from page 6
made a significant impact on the Village of Cadott through their
continued operations, ability to achieve, advance, thrive, prosper and
grow. SFR offers a state of the art EDM tooling center, thirty plus
extruders, and in-line value added accessory equipment.
SFR provides products to a multitude of clients- including those
within the furniture industry, recreational, transportation, electronics,
industrial, point of purchase, and building products. SFR produces
over 7 million lineal feet of T-Molding annually of various sizes, shapes,
colors and finishes in this particular industry. For over 35 years SFR
Industries has been a leading
SFR Industries
manufacturer of custom plastic profile
extrusions for a variety of industries including residential, commercial and
institutional furniture, store fixtures and POP displays.
CCEDC also awarded a Chippewa County Construction Partner of
the Year Award to KNG Mechanical. KNG Mechanical was founded in
1976 and has provided a high-service level to customers for 40+ years.
The company focuses on providing quality steam fitting, millwright, and
rigging services to industrial clients. Today, the company employs 24
people, and has increased their workforce by 67% since 2013.
KNG Mechanical
Over the past 3 years the organization has invested more than
$400,000 into their facility, including remodeling the office, electrical work, fencing additions, security
systems, and paving. In addition, the company has invested in new equipment that includes a plasma
cutter and an orbital welder.
Continually training staff members is vitally important to KNG Mechanical and its future. The
primary focus is safety training—MSHA, OSHA, and other site-specific
training. The company also continues to provide ongoing technical
training in such areas as rigging and optical alignment.
An Entrepreneur of the Year Award was presented to Marc-On
Shooting of Lake Hallie. Dan Marcon, owner of Marc-On Shooting,
through his career in firearms, security/protection, the US Military, and
law enforcement has been focused on teaching gun safety, selfawareness, and protection classes to local citizens and with that drive
has built a successful business in the Chippewa Valley.
Marc-On Shooting features an indoor range, pro shop, and
Marc-On Shooting
training center. The company is west central Wisconsin’s newest and
most exciting shooting sports facility, offering everything customers need to be a safe, skilled, and
confident shooter. Since its inception, the company has been creating jobs, impacting the area, and
fostering a positive reputation. Marc-On Shooting’s 13,000 square-foot building offers the only indoor
shooting range and gunsmith room for over 60 miles, attracting many customers to test guns
throughout the year. Currently, the company has four full-time employees and approximately 18 parttime employees.
During the start-up phase of his business, Dan worked closely with Chippewa County Economic
Development Corporation and with the UWEC Small Business
Development Center to create and implement his business.
An Economic Development Partnership Award was given to
the UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center (MOC) for their
assistance with skills gap and workforce training efforts, and their
continual support and relationship with business and industry. The UW
-Stout MOC builds on a strong track record in working with
industry leaders to put their companies on a path to positive growth
and sustainable profitability. The MOC works with partners such as
the CCEDC to bring together resources and knowledge that help
UW-Stout MOC
manufacturers become more efficient and effective.
The MOC
has a satellite office within the CCEDC office which provides CCEDC clients direct access to MOC
growth and process improvement services. The MOC partners with the CCEDC to create cross county
business to business interactions and business to business tours, and works alongside the CCEDC to
provide free business innovation workshops to Chippewa County manufacturers.
www.chippewa-wi.com
Page 7
Header
Leadership Recognized
The Chippewa County Economic Development Leadership Award was
given to an individual who has given above and beyond in the area of
economic development in Chippewa County. The award recipient was Mr.
Rusty Volk, who received the recognition for his many years of leadership and
partnership in economic development. Rusty Volk was hired as the Executive
Director of the Northern Wisconsin State Fair Association during fall 2008. In
this position, Rusty serves as the spokesperson in efforts to rebuild the
Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds. During the past seven years, Rusty
has initiated, coordinated, and completed diverse projects that have furthered
the use of the fairgrounds. Under his leadership, the Northern Wisconsin State
Photo Above: Charlie Walker accepts award
Fair attendance has steadily increased with 84,750 attendees in 2015. As a
at MAEDC Conference
Rusty Volk received the Chippewa result of fairgrounds improvements, Rusty has added 30+ annual events to
County Economic Development
the schedule, bringing in over 155,000 people to Chippewa County with a
Leadership Aware
total economic impact of $11.7 million. Through his involvement with the
IAFE, Wisconsin Association of Fairs, and life experiences in farming,
business, and fundraising, Rusty brings a wealth of knowledge to the fairgrounds. He currently serves as a
member of the Village of Lake Hallie Planning Commission, active member of Holy Ghost parish, and
Chippewa Falls Rotary Club. In addition, he has volunteered for Junior Achievement and the United Way. As
the leader of the fairgrounds, he works closely with city, county, and state agencies to provide facilities for
emergency training, planning, equipment use training, and multi-departmental coordination of drills for overall
community safety.
CCEDC utilizes the Business of the Year Awards program to recognize businesses or organizations
who maintain the highest standard of excellence throughout Chippewa County. These awards are to
acknowledge companies and organizations that display leadership characteristics, stand out, and have
displayed success. CCEDC congratulates the 2016 and past year award recipients.
CCEDC Business of the Year awards were designed
and crafted by
eco Urban Timber
90 Years, continued from front page
entrepreneurial and talent growth. The CCEDC understands that a diverse economic base is the best
way to generate wealth, prosperity, and adequate
tax revenue that funds public service for years to
come. CCEDC utilizes the following efforts to promote and enhance the business climate of Chippewa
County: (1) retain, expand, and attract businesses
county-wide;(2)nurture entrepreneurship; (3) create
jobs and workforce training opportunities for Chippewa County residents in diversified business sectors;
(4) provide information for employees relocating to
the county; (5) promote Chippewa County, locally,
regionally, nationally, and globally; and (6) advocate
to improve the business environment and act as a
liaison between business, county and state government agencies. Never before has the field of economic development been so complex, challenging or
rewarding!
To celebrate accomplishments within the industry
the International Economic Development Council
(IEDC) has named 2016 the Year of the Economic
Developer, which is also the organization’s 90th anniversary serving the profession. The IEDC, headquartered in Washington, D.C., mission is to provide
leadership and excellence in economic development
for communities, members and partners and oversees the international economic development certification program. CCEDC’s President/CEO, Charlie
Walker, holds the IEDC Certification -- CEcD, which
is one of the highest benchmarks of professional
competence a practicing economic developer can
attain. Economic developers remain vigilant in their
communities, seeking opportunities which generate
economic growth, creating better jobs for residents
and facilitating an improved quality of life. CCEDC is
honored to support celebrating IEDC’s 90th anniversary in 2016; this year will highlight the importance
and value of economic development throughout our
communities and this issue of the CCEDC newsletter
will provide a glimpse of the CCEDC efforts to
acknowledge 90 years of the industry and how the
CCEDC celebrated Economic Development Week !
www.chippewa-wi.com
CCEDC
Board of Directors
Board Chair: Matt Chilson,
Chilson Automotive
Secretary: Lisa Bruhn,
Treasurer: Jennifer Lindstrom,
Paul Salm,
BMO Harris Bank
Ron Bruder,
Applied Data Consultants
Bart Chapek,
The 2016 Chippewa Charity Classic Golf
Outing was held on May 20, 2016 at Lake
Hallie Golf. CCEDC would like to thank
the generous sponsors, donors, and
golfers who participated! All the event
proceeds went to Make a Wish Wisconsin!
Chris Conard,
Scott Dorn,
Spectrum Industries
Ronald Haas,
Martino’s Restaurant
Nicole Hager,
Stanley Correctional Institution
Sheri Johnson,
Mule Hide Manufacturing
Robert Mooney,
Alliance Plastics
Richard Morrison,
Cray Inc.
Michael Pynch,
Wipfli
Rebecca Reinhart,
Bank Mutual Corporation
Robert Schultz,
Xcel Energy
Karen Smith,
Thomas Vandehey,
Mid-State Truck Service
Sheridan Welch,
TTM Technologies
CCEDC would like to thank the outing board members for their years of dedicated service
Photographed above: Mike Leisz, Dennis Bachman, Jay Andress
In recognition of our financial investors companies that invest in
Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation and are
mentioned in this newsletter are mentioned in Bold
www.chippewa-wi.com
CCEDC Staff:
President/CEO:
Charlie Walker
Business Retention & Marketing:
Office Assistant: