directions - Kenosha Area Business Alliance

DIRECTIONS
Quarterly Newsletter of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance | Winter 2010
Mondi Akrosil Invests in Kenosha County: Global Enterprise
Establishing Operations in Pleasant Prairie’s LakeView Corporate Park
Mondi Akrosil, a world-class producer of silicone-coated release liners for pressure-sensitive products, has chosen Pleasant Prairie as the
location for its third North American production facility. Mondi Akrosil is part of Mondi Coatings and Consumer Packaging, a business
unit of the Mondi Group. The Mondi Group is an integrated packaging and business paper producer that employs 31,000 people across
31 countries worldwide. The Kenosha County site compliments existing North
American Coatings operations in Menasha, WI and Lancaster, OH.
“
Mondi Akrosil produces a range of products including a variety of one and two-side
silicone-coated papers, one and two-side poly-coated Kraft Paper, and siliconecoated films. Mondi’s release liners
have a variety of applications. One
fairly simple and straightforward example is
the tear-away strip or backing that you would
remove from a bandage before applying.
We love the location. A
team from Europe came in and
it was so nice just to fly into
O’Hare and have everyone at the
facility in forty minutes.
”
— Mark Rostagno, Vice President/General Manager, Mondi Akrosil LLC
Mondi Akrosil’s investment in Pleasant Prairie
involves the acquisition of an existing 168,879
SF production facility and approximately
60 acres in LakeView Corporate Park. The site formerly housed operations for Nitto
Americas, but was vacated in 2009 when Nitto ceased production of industrial tapes and
related products. Mondi’s acquisition of the site is an extremely complimentary re-use and
an excellent strategic fit for the company and the Corporate Park. Lakeview’s numerous
amenities, its proximity to I-94, and its strategic geographic position between Chicago and Milwaukee made it an ideal location for Mondi’s
expanded North American Coatings operations.
continued on page 5 [
Kenosha County’s economic development
organization and employers association.
LETTER FROM THE CHAIR
Dear KABA members,
As we close out 2010 and direct our attention toward 2011, I wanted to take
a moment to review some of the key developments that impacted Kenosha
County this past year. Many of these will have a lasting impact on the County
and its economy.
We are well aware of the economic slowdown in our nation. However, we
have done a decent job of weathering the storm in Kenosha County. Local
governments have taken proper steps in making cuts to balance challenging
budgets. They have also worked with KABA and supported our business
retention, expansion and attraction efforts. The State of Wisconsin has also
been a key supporter of our local economic development efforts through the
provision of economic assistance and incentives.
The closing of Chrysler’s Kenosha Engine Plant is a challenge. It is especially
difficult for the workers, who were often cited for their skill and dedication.
Though it should be noted that Kenosha has faced and responded well to prior
economic challenges, like the closing of an automobile assembly plant in the
late 1980s. That crisis brought the community together and made economic
development a priority, helping to establish and strengthen the public-private
partnerships that exist today in the form of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance.
Local units of government helped capitalize loan funds and created partnerships
with Wispark to develop new business and industrial parks. Considerable
progress and economic diversification has been achieved in the past two decades.
In 2010, ULINE moved into its new facility in Pleasant Prairie. The new
campus serves as the company’s headquarters and houses key distribution
operations and nearly 1,000 employees. ULINE is a phenomenal addition to
Kenosha County and their investment has reinforced the message that Kenosha
County, WI is a great location for business. Among Kenosha County’s strengths
are its location on the I –94 corridor between Chicago and Milwaukee, three
excellent institutions of higher education (Carthage College, Gateway Technical
College, and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside), and a professional and
responsive economic development organization for support.
first is under construction in Pleasant
Prairie.
Both ULINE and GFS have also
demonstrated good corporate
citizenship by taking active roles in
various community organizations and
events and through generous charitable
contributions to community causes and
non-profits.
The KABA-Chamber Business Awards
Dinner in November provided an
opportunity to recognize a number
of businesses and entrepreneurs
that drive the local economy. Snap-on was recognized as the Business of the
Year. It was fitting given that 2010 marked their 90th year in business. New
partnerships between Snap-on and Gateway Technical College regarding
training and technical education were also formed and are paying dividends for
the company, the college, and the area’s skilled workforce.
2010 also marked the formation of a new CEO Roundtable as a peer learning
group for the leaders of Second Stage companies.
As we look forward to 2011, we intend to continue to execute on the strategies
that were developed in the Kenosha First strategic plan. One key item will
be an increased emphasis on the Downtown Area and its redevelopment. We
would love to hear any thoughts or ideas from our members that could be
implemented to help accelerate downtown’s development.
On behalf of our board and staff, I would like to thank you for your support in
2010 and ask for your continued involvement in 2011 as we work to stimulate
additional investment and job creation. Thank you.
Sincerely,
During 2010, Gordon Food Service also opened a new operation in the City
of Kenosha. This 585,000 SF facility will serve as a regional headquarters
and distribution center for GFS’s Great Lakes West Division. GFS employs
more than 100 people and has plans for significant growth. We now see their
trucks delivering to the surrounding local restaurants. They are also building
several retail stores under their GFS Marketplace name. Kenosha County’s
Stan Torstenson, Chair
Welcome new KABA members
u
Boost Associates, LLC–A consulting firm specializing in leadership,
management and development. u
Pieper Electric Inc.–Electrical contractor providing plumbing,
heating & HVAC services to residential, commercial and industrial markets
u
ESI PROS, LLC–Provides electronic discovery services, forensics, cybersecurity and litigation consulting for the Wisconsin legal community.
u
Dr. Daniel R. Santarelli–Dentist with SPS Dental. A graduate of
Marquette University, he has been practicing in Kenosha since 1999.
u
Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services, Inc.–Nonprofit
organization serving residents of Kenosha County.They serve over 5,000
older adults annually through various programs including Meals onWheels.
u
Teleflex Medical OEM–Custom-configured, machined surgical
instruments used for orthopedic and spinal procedures, Ortho-Grip®
instrument handles, and ratchet and torque products.
DIRECTIONS
UP & COMING...
YO U N G P R O F E S S I O N A L S P OT L I G H T
Keontay Jackson, Branch Manager, US Bank
Keontay Jackson learned a lot about banking from playing football. Relationship-building, teamwork, discipline, and hard work all were
qualities he developed playing sports, particularly football, as a boy growing up in Racine. He played for J.I. Case High School, receiving
a full athletic scholarship to play for
North Dakota State as a tailback.
There are many opportunities for young
“North Dakota was great. Same as
professionals (in Kenosha). It’s growing. And
here: cold but friendly,” he laughs.
“
”
it’s family-oriented. There are a lot of familyowned businesses with a lot of history.
Keontay majored in Finance in college
and began his banking career with Wells Fargo
in Lacrosse, WI. He came back to his hometown
— Keontay Jackson, US Bank
in 2006 to work for US Bank. He started at
their Racine office on Washington Avenue and moved to their Kenosha-Parkside location on 18th Street
about a year ago. He sees himself staying in Kenosha for a while. “There’s a lot of things to love about
Kenosha.”
Keontay’s family, particularly his mother, has always been very involved in the Racine community and
has passed that on to Keontay. He is active in the Racine United Way, the Racine Economic Development
Corporation (RCEDC) and coaches junior high school football for Racine Unified School District. Keontay
is married with two young daughters ages six and one.
KABA Member News & Notes
Please send news about your company that you would like to share to Becky Noble at bnoble@kaba.org.
uEquity Creative
uRust-Oleum Corporation
ust-Oleum received a Popular Mechanics 2010 Editor’s Choice Award
Equity Brand Design, a creative marketing and communications
R
agency, has changed its name to Equity Creative. The company has also
for its automotive aerosols 360-degree any-angle spray technology.
moved its offices to a new location. Equity Creative is now located at
The recognition was for the company’s outstanding achievement in new
9522 58th Place, Suite 800, Kenosha.
product design and innovation.
u
Herzing Educational System
uSnap-on Incorporated
Herzing has named R.Brian Olson vice president of new operations and - Gregg M. Sherill has been named to the board of directors,
Linda Sweek director of brand management and communications.
increasing the size of the board to 12 members.
-Awarded three Professional Tool & Equipment News Innovation
u
Reilly, Penner & Benton
Awards in the following categories: equipment, hand tools and
Wauwatosa-based accounting firm Reilly, Penner & Benton LLP
tool storage for the Quadriga automatic tire changer; the 10announced that it recently acquired Stoughton-based Sheldon CPA LLC.
piece, 1/4-inch drive metric low-profile ratchet/socket set; and
Sheldon CPA specializes in small business and individual tax work,
the KEW-Series LED light assembly system, respectively.
consulting, and ongoing accounting support.
Winter 2011 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Area Construction
Bukacek Construction
uGFS Marketplace Store, Pleasant Prairie
Gordon Food Service recently established a warehouse and distribution
facility in Kenosha and have followed up with a retail store in Pleasant
Prairie called Gordon Food Service Marketplace.The store, their first in
Wisconsin, will be 12,000 SF and is expected to be completed in March.
Roundy’s Commissary Receives
Food Processing & Warehouse
Investment Credits
Martin Peterson Company
Office Building, St. Catherine’s, Pleasant Prairie
32,000 SF 2-story building located just southwest of St. Catherine’s
Medical Center. MPC has been selected as primary HVAC contractor for this
project, expected to be completed in June 2011.
uMedical
Partners in Design Architects
uHerzing University, 4006 Washington Road, Kenosha
3,300 SF expansion - The expansion adds several classrooms to the
university as well as teacher support space.
Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc. was awarded $19,499 by the
Wisconsin Department of Commerce for its investment in the
Kenosha Commissary in 2010. The company added $482,780
worth of manufacturing and processing equipment.
The Department of Commerce gave 44 Wisconsin companies
a combined $1 million in awards from the Food Processing
Plant and Food Warehouse Investment Credit Program in 2010,
leveraging $39 million in new investment.
Other industry-specific programs offered by Commerce include
the Meat Processing Facility and Dairy Manufacturing Facility
Investment Credits Programs.
College, Kenosha Campus
Renovation of the Surgical and Dental Technician Labs. The state-of-theart surgical rooms and dental lab compliment the Medical Sciences wing on
the Kenosha campus. Riley Const. provided the construction services.
uGateway Technical
Station, Kenosha
Kenosha’s Metra station is undergoing a complete interior and exterior
remodeling. Plans call for an open, 2,400 SF space which will house a
Gyros restaurant, a new indoor waiting area and restrooms. Camosy Const. is
uMetra
Available Business Sites
Featured Proper ty:
For more information on this property or other available business sites,
please visit www.kaba.org/economic/availablesites.htm.
the construction manager.
uPrairie Ridge Commons, Pleasant Prairie
9,000 SF–third of a three building retail development. It will include
AT&T as well as two new retailers to the Kenosha market - Aspen Dental
and Panda Express. Camosy Const. is providing the construction services.
Ruffalo Painting Company
uRecently completed: Olive Garden Restaurant, Pleasant Prairie; North American Salt Company; Sun PlazaWhite-Box City Trend; Puratos Chocolate USA; UW-Parkside
u
Current
projects: Mars Cheese Castle; Indian Trail Academy w/ Camosy
Const.; Kenosha County Public Safety Building w/ Riley Const.
u
Planned
for 2011: GFS Marketplace w/ Bukacek Const.;Trevor Elem.
School; Boys & Girls Club Community Center w/ Camosy Const.
8901 102nd Street, LakeView
Corporate Park, Pleasant Prairie
u105,637
SF (5,813 SF office)
u24’ clear
height
u8
interior docks, 2 drive-in doors
DIRECTIONS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Towne Investments Expands its
Holdings in Kenosha County
Mondi Akrosil Invests in
Kenosha County, cont.
Companies in need of large sites and room to grow are
driving the demand for industrial space in Kenosha County,
according to Chad Navis, Director of Development for Towne
\ continued from cover story
“
”
Chicago is one of the largest industrial
markets in the country , so there’s a
large tenant base to be drawn from.”
— Chad Navis, Towne Investments, Inc.
Investments. Towne Investments is a Milwaukee-based real
estate development firm that has invested nearly $50 million in
industrial real estate in Kenosha and Pleasant Prairie since 2007.
In an effort to further expand its presence in the Milwaukee/
Chicago I-94 corridor, Towne recently acquired an eight-building
portfolio consisting of 280,000 square feet in the Business Park
of Kenosha from Riley Management of Pleasant Prairie. The
properties range from 2,500 to 25,000 square feet.
Towne isn’t the only firm making investments in Kenosha
County. According to a recent article in the Business Journal
of Milwaukee, cheaper and more available land in southeast
Wisconsin is enticing Illinois manufacturers to migrate north.
The article goes on to say that Illinois companies are drawn to
logistical advantages of Kenosha County’s land, especially its
proximity to I-94. Companies such as CenterPoint Properties
and Paine Wetzel Oncore International also have substantial
holdings in the Kenosha market.
Governor Walker Proposes
Revamping Commerce Dept.
Governor Scott Walker, inaugurated January 2, has announced
plans to transform the current Wisconsin Department of
Commerce into a new public-private partnership that would
focus more on job creation and less on enforcing regulations. The
new agency, to be named the Wisconsin Economic Development
Corporation, would be similar to organizations created recently in
neighboring states such as Michigan and Indiana.
Winter 2011 “We have nothing but good things to say about Pleasant Prairie
and the Kenosha County Area,” said Mark Rostagno, Vice
President and General Manager for Mondi Akrosil. He noted
that they have been extremely pleased with the quality of the
resumes they have received and the overall strength of the
labor market. Applicants have solid
educational backgrounds and
skill sets that align well with
Mondi’s needs, according to
Rostagno.
Mondi is building out the Pleasant Prairie facility to be its
flagship production plant. The equipment and processes will
be state-of-the-art. The building is undergoing extensive
renovations, primarily in the production area, in order to
support new machinery that will be installed at the facility.
Mondi at-a-glance
...31,000 employees
...101 plants across 31 countries
...2.44 million hectares of land managed
...Operate out of two geographical
divisions: Europe & International and
South Africa
...Corporate offices in South Africa and
the United Kingdom
...CEO: David Hathorn
...Joint chairmen: David Williams and
Cyril Ramaphosa
...Listed in Johannesburg and London
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Entrepreneurship
Why Entrepreneurship Matters
Traditionally, economic development has centered around
business recruitment and retention. Attracting and keeping
business in your community are important components of an
overall strategy. But why include entrepreneurship development?
Entrepreneurship development is a way for communities to fuel
their economic growth as well as enhance their ‘quality of place’
which drives long-term community viability and sustainability.
“
Entrepreneurial enterprises contribute to
economic vitality through their creativity
and innovation . They create a center of
gravity for talent and capital .
”
Entrepreneurs also give back. They reinvest in the community
through charitable giving, community support, leadership and in
many other ways.
In 2009, KABA adopted an economic development strategy
commissioned by Austin, TX-based TIP Strategies. The economic
development consulting firm called for greater emphasis on
fostering small business development and growth-oriented
entrepreneurship; growing our economy by supporting
“homegrown” entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurship is a long-term strategy. It’s about creating
jobs in ones and threes and fives – gains that add up over time.
But energizing entrepreneurs and creating an entrepreneurial
economy could be an integral element in Kenosha County’s
future growth and sustainability.
u
BizStarts
Milwaukee
BizStarts Milwaukee creates a vibrant, innovative and prosperous
entrepreneurial business climate in the M7 region by inspiring,
nurturing, connecting and celebrating entrepreneurs and their
companies. | www.bizstartsmilwaukee.com
u
Center
for Advanced Technology & Innovation (CATI)
CATI, at Gateway Technical College’s Racine campus, helps private
industries leverage their idle intellectual properties by matching them
with existing companies and start-up businesses in need of those
technologies. | www.thecati.com
u
Inventors
& Entrepreneurs (I&E) Club
T he Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club is dedicated to helping inventors
and entrepreneurs overcome a lack of resources and providing support
for the developing and marketing of their ideas and innovations.
—f rom “Kenosha First, An Economic
Development Strategy for Kenosha County:
The Next Phase
Entrepreneurs turn opportunities into business ventures and
create jobs. According to research by the Kauffman Foundation,
more than one-third of job growth is due to new businesses.
Local Resources Available
for Area Entrepreneurs
u
Service
Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
SCORE mentors offer free, helpful business advice online and through faceto-face mentoring. | www.score.org
u
Small
Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Parkside
The SBDC provides education, training, and one-on-one counseling to
entrepreneurs and existing businesses in Kenosha & Racine counties, while
connecting business to university resources. | www.parksidesbdc.org
u
Wisconsin
Entrepreneurs’ Network (WEN)
WEN has four regional offices and over 400 people statewide who provide
entrepreneurs with access to resources and expertise, matching entrepreneurs
with organizations that can assist them. | www.wenportal.org
u
Wisconsin
P articipants in this statewide contest have the chance to win seed
capital, valuable services to will help them launch their businesses, and
a Grand Prize worth $50,000. | www.govsbizplancontest.com
Governor’s Business Plan Contest
u
Wisconsin Women’s
Business Initiative (WWBIC)
WWBIC is an economic development corporation, with an office in
Kenosha, that provides quality business education and financing to
entrepreneurs and small business owners. | www.wwbic.com
DIRECTIONS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Local Success Story: Five Star
Fabricating, Inc.
Five Star Fabricating, dba Five Star Race Car Bodies, is a successful
designer, manufacturer and distributor of body panels, windows and
accessories for most forms of motorsport. The company began after
a rough night at the local short-track...
Where Wisconsin Ranks...
INDICATOR
WI
IL
MI
MN
Entrepreneurial Activity3430
1342
Inventor Patents
19
25
18
9
Patents
32
23
14
12
Industry R&D Investment 16
1337
Venture Capital40
23
28
11
Fastest-Growing Firms
29
1634
21
IPOs 28
2231
20
It was the late 1970s and auto service
shop owner Fran Prestay was having
trouble finding sheet metal fenders
for his car at the local salvage
From the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity 1996-2009.
yard. Fran approached Carl Schultz,
who owned a plumbing and heating
business across the street, to produce the part for him. The new fenders were a hit to the other racers and
many demanded some for their cars. Seeing an opportunity and eager to accept a challenge, Carl and Fran
began production of components for the 1979 Camaro. Word of mouth and a small ad in a racing magazine
led to a tremendous response from car drivers across the country and the small start-up was off to the races.
Five Star has since grown to employ 95 people and was named the 2007 Kenosha Area Business of the Year. The
company is eager to accept larger and more advanced projects while maintaining their roots in local short-track
racing. In recent years, Five Star has spawned a spin-off company–Five Star Coating Group–which produces
coatings that fulfill the stringent performance needs of the auto racing windshield market.
Did you Know...
“
In all but seven of the last 28 years, without
start-ups, there would be no net job growth.
”
— Tim Kane PhD, Kaufmann Foundation
...Birchwood Foods was started by Frank Vignieri in 1936. He borrowed $35
from his mother’s cookie jar to start the meat packing company.
...Jockey was founded in 1876 by Samuel T. Cooper who started his hosiery business
to help lumberjacks who were suffering from poor quality socks.
...in 1920, Joseph Johnson & William Seidemann formed the Snap-on Wrench
Company, pioneering the idea of ten sockets that would “snap on” to five
interchangeable handles, a concept that revolutionized the tool industry.
...Liz & Dick Uihlein founded Uline, Inc. in their basement in 1980. Their first product
was the H-101 carton sizer which is still available today.
Winter 2011 6 T H A N N UA L B U S I N E S S AWA R D S
Nearly 300 people attended the 6th Annual Business Awards Dinner this past November, recognizing business excellence in Kenosha County. The event, presented by AM
Community Credit Union and Humana, was held at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Student Center Ballroom. Additional sponsors were We Energies and BizTimes
Milwaukee. Video presentations of the award winners as well as a photo gallery of the evening can be found at the KABA web site: http://www.kaba.org/about/photogallery.
htm. The Business Awards is an annual event hosted by KABA and the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce.
Business of the Year: Snap-on Inc.
In 1920, Joseph Johnson and William Seidemann formed the Snap-on Wrench Company, pioneering the idea of interchangeable socket and
wrench handles. Today, Snap-on Incorporated is a $2.8 billion, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha and celebrating 90 years in
business this year. Snap-on manufactures and markets tools, diagnostics, equipment, software and service solutions for professional users.
Business Person of the Year: Guy Bradshaw
Guy Bradshaw and Keith Easter founded Bradshaw Medical (BMI) in 2006 with four employees in 2,500 SF of leased spaced. The medical
device manufacturer has experienced phenomenal growth and moved into a newly constructed 30,000 SF corporate headquarters in 2010. BMI
is Guy’s second start-up success. In 1994, he co-founded Beere Precision Medical Instruments, which was acquired by Teleflex Medical in 2002.
Community Service Award: Matt Carlson
Matt Carlson has given tirelessly of his time and resources to numerous Kenosha community organizations including the Boys & Girls
Club, the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce, Crimestoppers and Gateway Technical College. Matt is founder and President of Platinum
Systems, a computer services provider based in Kenosha.
Economic Impact Awards
ACCO Brands Corporation, which merged with GBC in 2005, is one of the world’s largest suppliers of branded office products. ACCO
Brands consolidated its Wheeling, IL manufacturing facility and Hanover Park, IL distribution center to its two Pleasant Prairie locations in
2009. The consolidation retained 53 jobs that were to be relocated or eliminated; the transition of 46 jobs; and created 28 new jobs.
E D U C AT I O N
Nominations Open for 2011 Mentor of the Year
Attention mentors, counselors, teachers and community members! If you know a KABA mentor
who goes above and beyond, making a real impact on their student, nominate them for the 2011
KABA Mentor of the Year!
The award will be given at the 2011 KABA Annual Meeting to be held this March. Deadline for
nominations is February 25, 2011. To receive a nomination form or for more information, please visit
www.kaba.org/training/mentorprogram.asp or contact Teri Muehlbauer at tmuehlbauer@kaba.org.
Pictured left: 2010 KABA Mentor of theYear Jackie Gianeselli with her mentee Annastasia.
DIRECTIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Pictured: 1. Attendees watch the video presentation of the award winners. 2. Bill Snyder and Jeff Hellman, from presenting sponsor Humana, talks with attendees. 3. Business
Person of theYear Guy Bradshaw. 4. Snap-on CEO Nick Pinchuk accepts the Business of theYear award from emcee Dan Meyer and U.S. Congressman Paul Ryan. 5. Michael
Kopper, CEO of Economic Impact AwardWinner Centrisys, and KABA Board Member Gregg Thompson of Bukacek Construction.
Albany-Chicago Company was founded in 1952 on Albany Street in Chicago. The company, which relocated to a 190,000 SF
manufacturing facility in Pleasant Prairie in 1993, manufactures aluminum die casting and machined components. Over the past year,
Albany-Chicago has purchased approximately $7.5 million in equipment, leading to an overall increase in employee headcount.
Centrisys Corporation was formed in 1987 after its founder, Michael Kopper, recognized a need for an American-made, high quality centrifuge
dewatering system. Originally located in Illinois, Centrisys moved to the Business Park of Kenosha in 1999. Formed with just two employees,
Centrisys now employs 65 people and recently completed construction on a new 30,000 SF facility that doubled its manufacturing capabilities.
Fair Oaks Farms has been processing premium custom meats for the past twenty-five years, supplying sausage and bacon products for
McDonald’s breakfast menu since its inception. Founded in Chicago by Frank Brooks in 1985 as Brooks Sausage, Fair Oaks Farms relocated
to LakeView Corporate Park in 1991. In 2003, President and CEO Michael Thompson acquired the company and since that time, it has
grown from 100 to 300 employees. In 2005, a second facility was added, providing more than 120,000 SF of additional production space.
United Hospital System (UHS) is a comprehensive regional healthcare system that has served SE Wisconsin and northern Illinois
communities for more than 100 years. In 2009, construction began on the addition of two floors to its St. Catherine’s Medical Campus. The
240,000 SF addition is expected to be operational in early 2011 and create almost 500 new jobs, bringing total employment to 1,065.
KABA Volunteer of the Year: Dr. David Wright, UW- Parkside
For the past ten years, Dr. David Wright has been the Chairman of KABA’s Finance Committee which has administrative oversight of
KABA’s $27.8 million revolving loan fund portfolio. Dr. Wright, Professor of Finance at the University of Wisconsin - Parkside, has led the
committee in its efforts to balance the economic development objective of KABA with sound credit decisions and practices.
Webinars Make Employee Training Easy
Most companies realize the importance of training its workforce. Employee training encourages
new ideas, processes and thinking and improves morale. However, many companies cannot
always afford to spare their employees for a whole or half day session as often as they would like.
KABA is excited to offer another way to engage and inform employees– web-based webinars that
enable users to take the training where they prefer. They offer timely information from experts
and the convenience of viewing them with multiple colleagues–all for one low access fee.
Sample webinar topics include FMLA and managing generations. For more information, visit
www.kaba.org/training/programs.asp or contact KABA at info@kaba.org or 262.605.1100.
Winter 2011 IN THE HEADLINES
KVNA Selected as One of Top
100 Home Health Agencies in
the Nation
Pleasant Prairie Receives We
Energies/Focus on Energy
Grant for RecPlex Aqua Arena
The Kenosha Visiting Nurse Association (KVNA) was named by
Seattle-based OCS HomeCare as being in the top one percent of
home health agencies in the United States. KVNA was chosen out
of 10,000 agencies across the country as part of the 2010 HomeCare
Elite performance recognition
program. OCS recognized KVNA
for its continuous work to measure
and improve performance as well
as ensure customer satisfaction.
According to the KVNA, it is the
only independent home care agency
in Wisconsin to achieve the top
industry status.
We Energies and Focus on Energy have awarded the Village
of Pleasant Prairie a Focus on Energy New ConstructionWhole
Building Track Grant in the amount of $56,563. Pleasant
Prairie qualified for the grant by incorporating energy
efficient design in the construction of the Aqua Arena that
will use at least 30 percent less energy on an annual basis
than Wisconsin building code standards call for.
Picture by Dick Blau.
Kenosha Visiting Nurses Association,
which began in 1927, is a non-profit
home health agency which assists
patients recovering from illness,
injury or surgery or who need homebased skilled care or therapy.
The efficiencies will provide the RecPlex with an estimated
annual energy cost savings of $92,088.
Some of the measures the
RecPlex incorporated include
a state-of-the-art HVAC
system that uses heat
rejected from A/C unit to
heat pool water, exterior
shading on windows and
wall and roof insulation that
greatly exceeded minimum
required levels.
LMI Packaging Solutions Makes Commitment to Renewable
Energy with the EPA’s Green Power Partnership
LMI Packaging Solutions has joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Green Power Partnership. The heat seal die cut
lidding company, based in Pleasant Prairie, pledged to purchase renewable energy as part of the company’s a triple bottom line approach
to its business strategies. Triple bottom line accounting expands traditional reporting framework to take into account ecological and social
achievement in addition to financial performance.
LMI acted on this commitment by pledging to
purchase renewable energy from We Energies,
Energy for Tomorrow® to offset 100 percent of the
electricity used for its business operations.
“
The EPA’s Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program
that encourages organizations to buy green power as a way
to reduce the environmental impact from use of electricity.
10
At LMI Packaging Solutions, we are making every effort to
manage our resources wisely. We are excited to be the
first company within our industry to make this choice and we are
pleased to be a leader in the sustainability movement. — Ron Wesel, LMI Packaging Solutions, Inc.
”
DIRECTIONS
F O R YO U R I N F O R M AT I O N
Best Practices for Workplace Wellness
Employees spend a significant part of their lives in the work place environment. This provides an ideal opportunity to address
individual health risks that drive up medical and insurance costs, as well as protect the company’s most valued asset—its workers.
Why are corporations today becoming more and more interested in Employee Health Promotion Programs? The three most common
reasons cited for employer interest in on-site wellness programs are the desire to control spiraling healthcare costs, to encourage a healthy
productive work force, and as a method of boosting the morale of employees and the company’s image. (Dr. Michael O’Donnell, 1994)
A well-run employee wellness program is supported by six essential pillars: engaged leadership at multiple levels, strategic alignment
with the company’s identity and aspirations, a health program design that is broad in scope and high in relevance and quality; broad
accessibility; internal and external partnerships; and effective communications. (Berry,
Mirabito, Baun, 2010, University of Texas)
The following are several recommended guidelines for a successful program:
1. Target the most important health-care issues among the employee population.
uFor example, if a large number of employees have high cholesterol, the program must be
committed to getting them moving; research shows cholesterol levels come down with exercise
2. Employ activities and incentives that are consistent with the organizations core mission,
goals, operations, and administrative structures.
uIf your business is a “helping organization” create a mentor/buddy component that reflects the
supporting skills your organization models in the community
3. Operate at multiple levels—simultaneously addressing individual, environmental,
policy, and cultural factors in the organization.
uM
ake choosing “healthy” the easiest choice while at work
- Individual support may be health promotion posters
- Environmental- healthy vending options and exercise classes on-site
-Policy- a flex-time policy that allows for an extra 30 minutes a day for physical activity or provides a reimbursement for a portion of gym membership
- Cultural- Recognize and support wellness champions in your organization
4. Engage and tailor diverse components to the unique needs and concerns of individuals.
uH
igh risk employees may require health coaching; Low-risk employees may be offered opportunities to engage in healthy choices at work
5. Achieve high rates of engagement and participation, both in the short and long term.
uS
uccessful engagement occurs from the top down and communicates “we are doing this because we care about you”
6. Achieve successful health outcomes— cost savings, reduction in absenteeism, presenteeism and worker’s compensation.
uIf your goal is to reduce absenteeism, the program should be designed with this in mind. Does your program offer medical self-care information
and tools? Is good hand washing reminded where appropriate?
7. Are program results based upon clear definitions of success, as reflected in scorecards and baseline measures?
uC
ommunicate what success should look like to your employees on an individual level and company wide
8. Consider a health screening vendor where health screens are their core competency.
uV
endors that provide health screens as a central part of their business understand health promotion and the importance of education and awareness
9. Expect surprises at anytime, 50-60% is the national “best in class” participation rate.
uT
he only one who likes “change” is a wet baby—Resistance and surprises will happen
10.Leverage the backbone, 40% of the behavior change process happens by modification of the physical environment.
uSuch as, healthy vending machines.The more support employees have to choose “healthy” the more successful they will be
Wellness is something you have to do with and for your employees, not to them.
Submitted by KenoshaVisiting Nurse Association & Affiliates, your local provider of health services at home, at work and in the community. For more information, visit www.kvna.net.
Winter 2011 11
Kenosha Area Business Alliance, Inc.
600 52nd Street, Suite 120
Kenosha, WI 53140-3752
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K A B A B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S
Chair
Vice Chair
Secretary
Treasurer
Stanley Torstenson
Retired Chief Executive Officer
Stan’s Lumber, Inc.
Virginia Moran
Chief Executive Officer
LMI Packaging Solutions, Inc.
Susan Ventura
SeniorVice President & Chief
Operating Officer
United Hospital System
Patrick DeGrace
Director of Customer Care
Hospira Worldwide, Inc.
William Abt
Vice President of Business and Administration,
Carthage College
Ken Dowdell
Vice President/Publisher
Kenosha News
William Hardt
President, Northlake Engineering, Inc.
Lawrence Rasch
President, Rasch Construction &
Engineering, Inc.
Bryan Albrecht
President, Gateway Technical College
Kenneth Fellman
Community Bank President,
Marshall & Illsley Bank
David Barnes
Attorney, Barnes Law Office
Dr. Deborah Ford
Chancellor, University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Marvin Bembry
Director, State and Local Government Affairs
Abbott
Timothy Geraghty
Attorney, Godin, Geraghty & Puntillo, S.C.
Cathryn Bothe
President, Bothe Associates Inc.
David Hagman
Chief Executive Officer
Vista International Packaging, LLC
Guy Bradshaw
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Bradshaw Medical, Inc.
Dr. Michele Hancock
Superintendent of Schools
Kenosha Unified School District
John Donnell
President, Martin Petersen Co., Inc.
Staff
12
Mark Jaeger
SeniorVice President, General Counsel & Secretary
Jockey International, Inc.
Todd Battle
President
Teri Muehlbauer
Office Manager
Lisa Feltson
Administrative Assistant
Becky Noble
Director of Marketing
Diana Ide-Gonzalez
Director of Training & Education
Richard Rodenbeck
Director of Business Finance
Karla Krehbiel
SeniorVice President
Johnson Bank
Gregg Thompson
Chief Executive Officer, Bukacek Construction
Mark Naidicz
DivisionalVice President,Talent Acquisition
Abbott
Karl Ostby
Retired President & Chief Executive Officer
Southport Bank
Aldo Pagliari
SeniorVice President - Financer CFO
Snap-on Incorporated
Barbara Riley
Vice President - Business Development
Riley Construction Co., Inc.
Frank Unick
Chief Financial Officer, Uline, Inc.
Peter Valeri
President, Valeri Agency, Inc.
Dennis Vignieri
President
Kenosha Beef International, Ltd.
Kenosha Area Business Alliance, Inc.
600 52nd Street, Suite 120, Kenosha, WI 53140-3752
P: 262.605.1100 | F: 262.605.1111 | www.kaba.org
Directions is published quarterly by the Kenosha Area Business Alliance, Inc. (KABA). KABA is a private,
not-for-profit corporation recognized as the focal point for economic development, business technical
assistance and employer training to existing firms and new businesses interested in locating to Kenosha
County,Wisconsin.
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