1. Solved: A student environmental group is creating a campaign[algebra]
A coal mine located in their countyB. A farmer with a field of solar panelsC. A company building a gas pipeline through the townD. A rancher drilling for oil in ...
Answer to A student environmental group is creating a campaign for locally sourced energy resourcesWhat would be best for them to feature in there campaign?A. A
2. Solved: A student environmental group is creating a campaign[algebra]
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Answer to A student environmental group is creating a campaign for locally sourced energy resources.What would be best for them to feature in their campaign?Aa
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A student environmental group is creating a campaign for locally sourced energy resources What would be best for them to feature in there campaign? A. A ...
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In late November 2018, four environmental advocacy groups jointly released a report stating that 22 of the 24 Illinois coal-fired power plants that publicly.
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11. search.xml - Positively Superior
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<![CDATA[S uperior Inside: Douglas county tourism is on the rise Positively The superior business magazine The Magic of j u n e / j u ly 2 0 1 3 Lucius Woods new season showcases rockabilly, the sympony and las vegas glitz Inside: Business Benefits From The Big Dig Twin Ports Testing’s Standards for Growth Barker’s Island Marina: Home port for Lake Superior Lovers ]]> <![CDATA[]]> <![CDATA[outstanding agents. outstanding results. No one in the world sells more real estate than re/max Julia Russom 218-390-4258 Jim Staelens April Johnson 218-591-3864 Jeff Digle Tom Acton 218-348-1708 Sara Viggiano Kristi DuCharme 715-550-8097 218-348-1513 218-428-5695 Greg Running Bobbi Germond Steve Germond 218-590-7072 Brenda Eisenmann 218-390-9540 218-348-4731 Mike Raivala 218-591-6453 Daneese Acton 218-310-8859 218-390-2826 Melissa Sundet 218-343-8859 218-269-9750 Chad Wilson 218-428-3438 Steve Braman 218-310-2590 Nick Strand Maria Letsos 218-590-3661 218-349-0267 Elyse Strapple Jack Harnstrom 218-348-6190 Megan Wilson 218-428-7528 Drew Frielund 218-348-0659 218-522-0563 Bill Little Jim Ronding 218-348-7653 Lynn Nephew Michael Hoffman 218-310-7790 ( 715 ) 392-1111 northlandhomesearch.com Each Office Independently Owned and Operated. Colette Ogren 218-590-4663 218-576-3444 re/max 1 2911 Tower Avenue • Superior, WI 54880 Nancy Murray 218-391-5466 218-310-8914 ]]> <![CDATA[publisher’s note Let It Shine T he spring that wasn’t (due to Mother Nature’s re- lentless snowstorms) is now a fading memory as we head into another glorious summer season in the Northland. This is the Superior/Douglas County area’s time to shine – to welcome tourists, as well as visitors here on business, and show them why we choose to live, work and play here. It’s the optimal season to promote our city, county and state parks, our lakes and rivers, our camp- grounds, hiking and biking trails, golf courses, museums and other attractions. It’s also the time for businesses to create lasting, and favorable, impressions in the minds of those visitors. From hotels, motels and restaurants to gift shops and gas stations, restaurants and pubs, and grocery and convenience stores, employees will be on the frontlines of good customer service. The friendly and helpful assistance they provide also contrib- ute to the positive experiences visitors will long remember. We’re proud to announce that Douglas County has joined our group of publishing partners. We’re very pleased that Positively Superior will be able to provide even more in-depth information and perspectives regarding Douglas County’s partnerships, initiatives and progress. And we welcome Douglas County Administrator Andy Lisak to our editorial committee. As you’ll learn from reading his article in this issue, Douglas County has already ramped up for a busy summer season. So bring on summer! Highway and street construction is under way that will deliver year-round benefits to busi- nesses and tourists. Our college and university have created special summer classes for young children that keep them learning, while they’re also having fun. Our industries and commercial businesses, our professional services firms, our retail stores and Realtors are serving longtime customers – and creating new customers. We’re ready. Let it shine. Positively, Jay Ott Publisher, Positively Superior magazine 2 P.S. june.july 2013 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 4 • june/july 2013 Editorial Committee Charlie Glazman – Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Bruce Hagen – Mayor, City of Superior Michelle Hostetler – The Development Association Andy Lisak – Douglas County David Minor – Superior-Douglas County Area Chamber of Commerce Mary Morgan – City of Superior Public Works Department Julia Rulla – Superior Business Improvement District Janna Stevens – Superior School District Kaye Tenerelli – Superior Business Improvement District Lynne Williams – University of Wisconsin-Superior Published by Positively Superior LLC Produced by AdMax Displays, Inc. 1518 East Superior Street, Duluth, MN • (218) 724-2734 Editorial: Julie Aho Editor info@positivelysuperior.com Contributing writers: Tony Bennett, Jennifer Derrick, Andy Greder, Bruce Hagen, Tom Hansen, Judith Liebaert, Andy Lisak, David Minor, Mary Morgan, Paul Nicolaus, Amanda Palmer, BreeAnna Poshek, Beth Probst, Allen Raffetto, Kaye Tenerelli, Jena Vogtman, Shawn Wellnitz. Production: Steve Isola Creative Director sisola@admaxdisplays.com Tim Hunt Art Director thunt@admaxdisplays.com Photography- Steve Isola, Tim Hunt Advertising Sales: Jay Ott jott@admaxdisplays.com Jo Ellen Winship joellen@admaxdisplays.com Jim Caesar jim@jccsduluth.com Accounting: Lori Jameson ljameson@admaxdisplays.com Published six times annually in December, February, April, June, August and October by Positively Superior Magazine LLC. Positively Superior magazine is available at an annual subscription rate of $24. Advertising rates and data available on request. The views expressed in Positively Superior magazine do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The City of Superior, Superior/Douglas County Area Chamber of Commerce, Superior Business Improvement District, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical Col- lege, University of Wisconsin-Superior, Positively Superior LLC or its members. Publication No. ISSN 2164-6694 ]]> <![CDATA[]]> <![CDATA[the Superior business Magazine Inside The Big Dig The Tower Avenue Rebuild Project Will Deliver Benefits for Business 10 High Standards Twin Ports Testing Inc.’s Growth is Fueled by Innovation, New Technology and Top-Notch Employee Expertise 30 The Magic of Lucius Woods Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center Begins Its 20th Season With a New Director and an Eclectic Music Showcase 40 Harboring superior enjoyment Barker’s Island Marina Offers Boating Enthusiasts Easy Access to the Great Lake They Love 20 50 Small Business, Big Vision TW Wood Designs Finds Its Customer Niche By Focusing on Creative Designs and Hand-Crafted Quality 4 P.S. june.july 2013 ]]> <![CDATA[Volume 2, issue 4 departments june/july 2013 Positively Superior magazine Published in partnership with: 2 publisher’s note 7 city highlights • Little Things Make a Big Difference for Community Pride • IWA Watercross Racing Comes to Superior 18 Chamber Focus • Douglas County Tourism is On the Rise 28 B.I.d. news • A Trip Down Memory Lane – and a Celebration of Partnerships for Progress 38 uw-superior • UW-Superior Campus is Greener and Cleaner Than Ever 48 witc • Youngsters Discover Something New with WITC’s College for Kids 58 Superior School District • Students Can Learn and Enrich Their Lives During Summer Vacation 60 Douglas County • Douglas County is Proud to be a Partner 62 The Development Association • UW-Superior Students Give Entrepreneurs a Helping Hand Through a New Start-Up Guide 64 sound advice • Local Entrepreneurs Create Regional Growth • Looking for Talent in All the Right Places 68 p.s. it’s your business 72 p.s. profile on the cover Cover photo courtesy of photographer JoAnn Jardine, Studio One Photography. Burnished instruments await the musicians who bring music to life at Lucius Woods Performing Arts Cen- ter. The outdoor venue in Solon Springs celebrates its 20th season with performances including the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra, a tribute to Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash, a Las Vegas showstopper – and much more. the superior business magazine 5 ]]> <![CDATA[ibe Subsc i r ne Onl S uperior InsIde-32: Business ToolkiT for Tower Ave. ConsTruCTion Positively The superior business magazine february/march 2013 classic superior restaurants: LocaL EatEriEs’ LongtimE succEss InsIde: 10 Fraser shipyards powers the MaritiMe industry $3.95 34 worldwide Machining & welding’s gaMe plan For growth 54 legacy Multiplier: the superior scholarship Foundation (c1-c4) Cover.indd 1 Subscribe magazine today! Get Positively Superior at home 1/30/13 11:20:04 AM Mailed your ho to me and share all that’s positive in Superior with your friends and family. Gift subscriptions also available. Three easy ways to subscribe: 1. VISIT www.positivelysuperior.com 2. E-MAIL subscriptions@positivelysuperior.com 3. CALL (218) 724-2734 1-year subscription only $24 • 2-year subscription $48 The Superior Business Magazine ]]> <![CDATA[city highlights When It Comes to Community Pride, Little Things Make a Big Difference S By Bruce Hagen pring is finally friendlier than what we have recently experi- enced. You know it is time when winter sports enthusiasts say, “Enough is enough!” With the change of the season, it is great to drive around the community and see re- modeling, landscaping, people painting and neighbors greeting each other unencum- bered by layers of winter wear. So together, we all need to brighten up our neighbor- hoods from this winter’s stronghold on the community – city services included. Throughout the month of May, city crews were working tirelessly to remove rocks, debris and litter from the street right- of-ways, parks and other public areas. The public has also utilized the free landfill days and placed brush and unwanted items curb- side during the free Annual Spring Pickup. Boulevard damage is being repaired by Pub- lic Works and the Environmental Services Division has completed any number of cul- vert and storm sewer cleaning projects. Gladwell points to something called the “broken windows theory” – a law enforcement theory of two criminologists. The Parks Division planted 150 new trees throughout the community and will plant various flowerbeds for further beauti- fication. Throughout the summer, sidewalks will be edged and weeds will be arrested in public areas of the city. Currently, I am touring every neigh- borhood for the purpose of the Annual Street Maintenance and Paving Program. In doing so, I have never observed such ex- treme damage (that any past winter’s wrath even approached) compared to what we just experienced this past winter. So as soon as the asphalt plants open, we will begin re- building and paving residential streets in or- der of damage severity. In addition, consid- erable street reconstruction – such as Tower Avenue – will take place this year through contracts with the private sector. To say some streets are in tough shape is an under- statement. And we very much appreciate the patience of all residents. Together, we should encourage our friends, along with those who own business properties, to do the same. Or maybe even challenge them! A few moments removing litter, washing down sidewalks and win- dows, applying a fresh coat of paint, mak- ing repairs, and attending to the landscape by pruning shrubbery or adding colorful flowers can improve our commercial areas enormously. Keeping our community in good repair and order does more than improve aesthet- ics. Perhaps you’ve heard of a book called “The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell. Gladwell points to something called the “broken windows theory” – a law enforce- ment theory of two criminologists based upon the notion that “if a window is broken and left unrepaired, people walking by will conclude that no one cares and no one is in charge. Soon, more windows will be broken and the sense of anarchy will spread from the building to the street on which it faces, sending a signal that anything goes.” That is not how we wish to be viewed. If we pitch in with a little time and elbow grease throughout the city, the wrath of win- ter will be history. We are Positively Superior! Let’s show that through our community pride. Bruce Hagen is mayor of the City of Superior. the superior business magazine 7 ]]> <![CDATA[city highlights Racer Chad Maki. Photo courtesy of the International Watercross Association. IWA Watercross Is Coming to Superior By Mary Morgan T his summer, a family-friendly event featuring an excit- ing new sport will make its debut in Superior on Barker’s Island. Townsquare Media Duluth is partnering with the International Watercross Association (IWA) to bring wa- tercross racing to Superior. According to Townsquare Media Live Events Manager Kim- berly Carr, “The Superior Watercross Shootout scheduled for August 17 and 18 will be a weekend full of high-speed snowmobile racing on water. Spectators will watch as the IWA competes in drag and oval racing in the inlet of Barker’s Island. 8 P.S. june.july 2013 “Townsquare Media Duluth has been working hard to create heritage community events that people will look forward to year after year,” Carr explained. “The idea was brought to us by a staff member and we have been working on creating this event for over a year. We feel that the excitement that surrounds watercross will continue to grow and make this annual event a profitable one for Superior businesses.” Townsquare Media expects approximately 160 participants who must be sanctioned by the IWA to race. The IWA is a member-owned and operated nonprofit organization with a mission to provide a safe, ]]> <![CDATA[Photo courtesy of Kreative Prints for U. uniform environment for watercross racing. The snowmobiles are modified to be light and fast and are sealed so that machine fluids cannot escape into the water. The IWA enforces strict rules that pro- tect the aquatic environment. The business community is responding with enthusiasm. “Wa- tercross is such a unique, up-and-coming sport that you cannot help but be intrigued by it. The Superior/Duluth businesses have really embraced it and are excited for the Superior Watercross Shootout,” Carr said. “Current sponsors include Benna Ford Roush, Superior Beverage, Widdes Trailer Sales, RJ Sport & Cycle and Lend Smart.” Carr’s expectation is to have 15 to 20 local businesses participat- ing in a variety of ways. “There will be food, music and fun for the whole family,” she said. For example, Keyport Liquor & Lounge will host the beer garden, Mac Sport & Marine and Interstate Batteries will have vendor booths and Farley’s Family Restaurant, Kosta’s Gy- ros and Barb’s Fry Bread will offer snacks. In addition, Norm’s Beer & Brats and Barker’s Island Inn will be hosting driver registration and award parties and everyone’s invited to Keyport for a Saturday night party. “We feel that the excitement that surrounds watercross will continue to grow and make this annual event a profitable one for Superior businesses.” – Kimberly Carr, Townsquare Media live events manager Carr expects approximately 2,000 spectators who will pay a fee ($15 for a day pass or $20 for a weekend pass). An estimated 18,000 people will visit Grantsburg, Wis., for the the 37th Annual World Championship Snowmobile Watercross in July, with top racers from the United States and Canada competing for a sizable purse. Carr be- lieves the racers of the IWA are thrilled about having a race in Supe- rior the next month. “Racing in a larger city will increase awareness and enthusiasm for their sport,” she said. “Many racers only bring their families to one race per summer, and with the tourism oppor- tunities in this area, Superior will be that race.” Carr expects the business impact of this event to be significant. “From restaurants and bars to gas stations and hotels to retail shops and tourist attractions to automotive and sporting stores, the water- cross racer and spectator demographic loves to play and spend in the communities they are in,” she said. Newly elected City Councilor Terry Massoglia thinks the event is a good idea. “I know several friends who have done it. It sounds like it could be a lot of fun,” he said. Massoglia is a city councilor liai- son on both the Parks & Recreation Commission and the Superior- Douglas County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Charlie Johnson, general manager of Barker’s Island Inn, is also looking forward to new visitors. “We are very excited about the IWA event coming to Barker’s Island. It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase this beautiful island to a new demographic,” he said. “I have attended these events in other communities, and I know how big of an overall economic impact it can have on a community. Any opportunity to bring more people into Superior is a good one, and we are hopeful that this is successful and turns into an annual event.” For more information about the event, go to www.superiorwa- tercross.com. Mary Morgan is the parks and recreation administrator for the City of Superior Public Works Department. Free Webinar Series for Businesses Businesses Preventing Pollution Topics Include: Early Adopter Project Pollution Prevention for Landlords & Property Managers Count Me Green Program Dental Mercury Management Green Tier Program Composting Food Waste Waste Management for the Auto Industry • More topics to be added • www.ci.superior.wi.us/business to register the superior business magazine 9 ]]> <![CDATA[The Big Dig Tower Avenue Rebuild Project Will Deliver Benefits for Business A By Andy Greder fter nine years, the computer support company discoverPC.NET picked a peculiar time to relocate its storefront to Tower Avenue: less than a year be- fore the major Superior thoroughfare underwent a complete reconstruction. “The short-term loss will give long-term gains,” said co- owner Travus Elm. Elm says his business was well informed of how traffic would be halted for the $13.5 million makeover of a mile-long stretch in order to streamline traffic flows, improve safety for vehicles and pedestrians and beautify the streetscape in seven months (from April to October). The reward, Elm said, is that “it’s going to give new busi- nesses and businesses that stay around something that they don’t have to worry about for quite some time. Revitalizing Tower Avenue will be a positive once it’s complete, and people will be able to see it when it’s done.” What Jason Serck, the City of Superior’s planning director, wants residents and business owners to see is a colorful, vibrant identity for the vital downtown drag. “When you make a right turn or come across Belknap and head north, you say, ‘Oh, I’m in a different spot. This must be a special place,’” Serck said. 10 P.S. june.july 2013 ]]> <![CDATA[the superior business magazine 11 ]]> <![CDATA[-Concrete Grinding -Wall Sawing -Wire Sawing -Flat Sawing -Patch Back -Core Drilling With over 30 years of experience in the industry. We’ve see it all! Paul konkler T: (715) 392-2463 C: (218) 391-5007 www.concretesawingservices.com Planning A division of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) routinely re- views pavement conditions in 20 counties in the northern part of the state. In 2006, the DOT recommended that Tower Av- enue undergo a resurfacing, says Stephanie King, a DOT project design leader. The City of Superior had bigger ideas. With sections of the avenue on the cusp of a 100th birthday in 2014 and oth- er areas 78 years old, the city requested a full reconstruction. An entire reconstruc- tion would allow the city to redesign the space as well as replace the sub-surface’s sanitary and storm water lines that date back to the 1880s. “The short-term loss will give long-term gains.” – Co-owner Travus elm, DiscoverPC.Net “When you go into these projects, particularly when you are opening it up and doing your reconstruction project, it’s just logical … to replace this infra- structure,” Serck said. In 2006, the main reconstruc- tion cost was $7.5 million, but with the 12 P.S. june.july 2013 streetscape amenities, utility work, new traffic signals at the railroad corridor in- tersection and reworking the connecting alleys, the cost is now about $13.5 mil- lion, said King. Payment of each portion of the project, she noted, is divided by varying percentages between the levels of government. Superior will cover about $5 million, Serck explained, with the remainder paid by state, federal and grant monies. “The city is handling a very large portion of this from a standpoint of dol- lars,” said Serck. “We are responsible for the sanitary sewer and storm sewer. We are also responsible for fractions of sidewalk construction. We are also do- ing some side streets. We are also a large contributor for the amenities.” The cost might seem like a lot for a mile-long stretch, he noted, but the sav- ings are greater in the long run. “If we were to edge around these ar- eas and decide to not replace them, you are causing construction [costs] to go up because you are essentially going in and needling around a little bit,” Serck said. “It’s better to go in and totally recon- struct the whole thing and in the long run, it’s essentially a money saver.” The city has not had issues with storm or sanitary water, he said, but given the old age of the infrastructure, the replace- ment will be a preventative measure. ]]> <![CDATA[“For me, as a roadway engineer, these are really important improvements that we can make while still enhancing the downtown area.” – Project Design Leader Stephanie King, Wisconsin Department of Transportation “It’s a way that we guarantee that we aren’t going to have any other issues for another 50, 75 or 100 years in the future,” said Serck. “It’s a good way to keep the continuity of the street for years to come.” Once the DOT and Superior com- mitted to reconstruction, a design com- mittee of about nine people was estab- lished about four years ago, said Kaye Tenerelli, executive director of the Su- perior Business Improvement District. “We essentially hand picked the amenities that we wanted,” Serck noted. “Everything from the lights to the col- ored concrete and those types of things, just so we can get the look. We want to add some color down there. We want to add some vibrancy, and this is very im- portant to the design committee and the Business Improvement District.” The color will come from iron-ore red concrete on the corners and green from the additional plantings and trees as well as decorative, yet energy-efficient, lighting. This will also include covering gaps along the street where buildings and parking lots have fallen out of care with retaining walls and fencing. “We want to make them look a little nicer,” Serck said. To agree on the aesthetics, the de- sign committee sought public opinion, said Tenerelli. “We would then take the project back up for public comment,” she said. “It wasn’t that we decided that this was the way it was going [to be], and we didn’t want to hear from other people. We did.” Besides form, function was fore- most in the project designs – and safe- ty was second to none. The traffic was slowed, with one lane in each direction, a designated left turn lane and a median in the middle, King noted. “For me, as a roadway engineer, these are really important improvements that we can make while still enhancing the downtown area and still allowing the mobility of the traffic,” she said. King said that a five-year assessment of fatalities, injuries and property dam- age along the road allowed the project to garner $500,000 from the federal gov- ernment to make safety improvements. • catering • • party platters • • box lunches • superior • duluth Catering • Party Platters • Box Lunches the superior business magazine 13 ]]> <![CDATA[Another safety improvement is cor- ners that jut out from the sidewalk to provide a shorter distance for pedestri- ans, Serck noted. “Essentially what drove this whole thing was safety,” he said. “We wanted to not only slow traffic down, but also make it safe for pedestrians.” A five-foot-wide bike lane in each direction was added (a government requirement). “We have an increase in the number of bikers, not only in Wisconsin but in the Twin Ports and across the nation,” Serck said. “We don’t really have a connection per se that the bike lane goes to, but it provides some refuge for bikers when they are traveling down Tower Avenue. “Where you enter [Tower Avenue], you are going to slow down and need to look for things here,” Serck said. Execution A nticipating the need, Superior’s Busi- ness Improvement District hired a marketing consultant and developed a “tool kit” with a wealth of information for businesses to help weather the delays for customer traffic, Tenerelli said. The “tool kit” was compiled more than a year and a half ago, and was rolled out in February 2012 when the DOT and BID brought property and business own- ers together to communicate details about the project. More than 125 people attend- ed the morning session and lunch. Once construction started, the BID be- came a conduit for updates on the project. Clean, well-kept facilities enhance corporate image and provide a healthy environment for your customers and employees. Every day more than 100,000 businesses around the world depend on ServiceMaster Clean ® . With over 50 years of experience, we have developed the most advanced cleaning technologies and methods to do the job well. ordinary tasks. extraordinary service. ® every day, your business will look its best. Contact us today about our janitorial services 218-727-8373 14 P.S. june.july 2013 ServiceMaster Commercial Services include: • Janitorial Service • Carpet Care • Hard Surface Floor Care • Window Cleaning • Post Construction Cleaning ]]> <![CDATA[In May, for instance, construction pro- gressed south of the railroad tracks a week sooner than expected, and the BID sent that update “We immediately sent that out, so everybody knows and they aren’t getting surprised,” Tenerelli said. “We are their support system. We are the clear- inghouse for all of the information that is coming from the contractor and the De- partment of Transportation.” “I’ve heard on the street that we are taking parking away. We’re not.” – City Planning Director Jason Serck Elm at discoverpc.NET said the BID has “kept us pretty well informed. We’ve gone through some of the meetings for the construction company and with what is going on.” The BID has worked on messaging to customers and residents as well. Included in the tool kit were brochures for businesses to send to customers, a communiqué that the back doors are the best way to access the businesses and 12-inch-by-18-inch blank signs for businesses to scribble a special or convey a message and put it in the window for customers to see. The BID will also be doing TV and radio advertising. “The message is that we are open, that it’s convenient to get to these businesses,” Tenerelli said of the advertising. “The whole message is to encourage the cus- tomer, and also the traveler, to come down to these businesses during construction. They are accessible. There is parking. And they are there to serve them.” On parking, Serck wants to clear up a misconception. the superior business magazine 15 ]]> <![CDATA[Spirit of Cooperation T Safety-conscious details will include corners that jut out from sidewalks to provide a shorter distance for pedestrians to walk (artist’s rendering courtesy of SAS+Associates). “I’ve heard on the street that we are taking parking away. We’re not,” he said. “We’ve implemented some diagonal park- ing on just about every side street. I think we actually came out ahead on adding parking instead of subtracting parking.” Tenerelli said that businesses have shared the same positive perspective as Allen. 16 P.S. june.july 2013 “It’s been pretty interesting,” she said. “We’ve had very little concerns or com- plaints. Mostly we are answering questions in regard to the construction. People are being respectful, and obviously the busi- nesses have worked very well with their customers. They have encouraged them to use the back door because that is the only way you are going to access us.” he Wisconsin DOT “has been absolutely fabulous to work with,” Tenerelli said. “I knew that the minute we stepped into the first meeting we had on the north Tower Avenue project…it was going to be an abso- lute spirit of cooperation and it has been.” Tenerelli also learned about what goes into a project of this scope, especial- ly the volunteer hours necessary from the design committee. “These projects are so complex,” she said. “So much goes on behind the scenes that we have done – working with the DOT and property owners with specific needs. “This project is going to be something that the city is going to be very proud of.” – Executive Director Kaye Tenerelli, Superior Business Improvement District ]]> <![CDATA[I didn’t realize; I had no concept when we started this how in-depth we were going to be involved and how complex it really is. It’s more than saying you want a pretty street.” Serck says the partnership has been un- precedented in Superior. “The DOT has become a little bit more business friendly,” Serck says. “They have been very active in this. And you have to give credit to Kaye and her crew at the BID for embracing this and really encouraging people – not last year or the year before, but three and four years ago, saying that we need to start preparing for this and giving them some resources for that.” The praise comes full circle from King. “We knew it was important to commu- nicate with the businesses and the BID right off the bat,” King says. “I can’t say enough about Kaye, who has taught me so many things and really made this successful.” Welcome Mat for New Business A fter the target completion date of Oct. 18, success of the new north Tower Av- enue will be measured, in part, by what busi- ness is generated by the reconstructed road. Trees and colorful shrubs will add beauty to the downtown landscape (artist’s rendering courtesy of SAS+Associates). Serck has singled out retail clothing, a family-style restaurant and mixed use office/apartment space as wish-list addi- tions to the business community. “We are talking to some folks about that,” Serck said. “Everybody is in a holding pattern with this construction. They want to see what happens, and then hopefully we can start attracting folks back downtown.” Tenerelli says the welcome mat will have been rolled out. “At the end of the day, we firmly be- lieve at the BID, DOT and city that this project is going to be something that the city is going to be very proud of,” she said. “It’s such a different look, such a different feel. It will be welcoming.” Andy Greder is a freelance writer. the superior business magazine 17 ]]> <![CDATA[chamber focus Douglas County Tourism is On the Rise A family enjoys the beauty of Amnicon Falls State Park. By David Minor N ational Travel and Tourism Week is all about celebrating our industry, and we are doing just that. Our 2012 numbers are out, showing an increase in tourism activity of $800 million for the state of Wisconsin and an increase of $6 million for Douglas County. The county is home to two of Wiscon- sin’s state parks, Pattison State Park, with the state’s highest waterfall, (165-foot Big Mani- tou) and Amnicon Falls State Park as well as the 50,000-acre Brule River State Forest, the 269,000-acre Douglas County Forest – and the Brule River, the only river in the United States that has had five U.S. presidents fish its banks. And of course, we can’t forget about that little body of water that lies just outside of our door, Lake Superior. Our 2012 numbers are out, showing an increase in tourism activity of…$6 million for Douglas County. Tourism plays a vital role in Douglas County’s economy and the businesses that cater to visitors. Those businesses include hotels, motels, resorts, campgrounds, mari- nas and retail stores that complement activi- ties available on hundreds of miles of hiking, biking, ATV, snowmobile and cross-country ski trails as well as the many city parks, golf courses, our museums and other wonderful area attractions. 18 P.S. june.july 2013 For the nearly 97 million travelers that visited Wisconsin last year, it’s all about the fun and memories. But for the state’s tax- payers and residents, it’s all about the jobs and tax revenue those travelers support. Last year’s numbers are very encouraging, and we hope to capitalize on this momen- tum in the coming summer season with a strong promotional campaign. Tourism plays a critical role in our community and continues to grow, and from an economic standpoint, the numbers reflect that. We are a destination location. However, the tourism economic impact extends beyond our museums, our state and county forests and two state parks, hotels, motels, resorts, campgrounds and restaurants that are the obvious players. It’s also the retail stores, gift shops, gas stations, grocery stores and the businesses that supply them. “The past two years have been outstand- ing for Wisconsin’s tourism industry and the two-year, $2 billion growth that is reported in the research confirms what we hear from businesses and destinations as I travel the state,” said Wisconsin Secretary of Tourism Stephanie Klett. “Investing in tourism pro- motion and marketing at both the state and local level is an effective way to attract visi- tors, enhance the state’s image and keep the economy growing.” The Wisconsin Depart- ment of Tourism worked with a national re- search firm, Longwoods International, and Tourism Economics to produce the reports. We have much to be proud of this year, and on behalf of the governor, the Tourism Council and the staff at the Department of Tourism, I congratulate each and every one of you for a successful 2012. Locally, we would like to thank the City of Superior and Douglas County for their many years of investment and support for the Superior & Douglas County Convention and Visitors Bureau, which is the tourism division of The Chamber. We’re pleased to report that 2012 proved to be another strong year for tourism in our area. The tourism in- dustry is a cash-generating machine for state and local governments. In today’s highly competitive travel market, destinations that maintain or increase funding ultimately seize market share, while those that cut pro- grams suffer immediate revenue shortfalls. Here in Wisconsin and Douglas Coun- ty, we have a strong tourism economy sup- ported by effective brand marketing. I’d like to share just a few success stories and high- lights from the past year at both the state and local level. How important is tourism to Wisconsin’s economy and quality of life? • Travel and tourism is a cash-generating machine for state and local governments. It is the main employer in many com- munities and in other areas it provides stability and diversity, complement- ing manufacturing, agriculture and our knowledge-based sectors. • Tourism is Wisconsin’s welcome mat to the state and positively brands Wisconsin, not only for tourism, but for the retention and attraction of new business. How did Wisconsin’s tourism economy fare in 2012? • The total impact of traveler spending in Douglas County was $74.4 million in 2012, up 6.54 percent from $69.8 mil- lion according to research conducted by Tourism Economics and Longwoods International. ]]> <![CDATA[An aircraft display at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center. Kayaking on the Bois Brule River. What does traveler spending mean for Douglas County jobs and tax revenue? • Traveler spending is a significant source of employment and taxes. Ap- proximately one in 13 of all jobs in Douglas County is sustained by visi- tors. Tourism supported a 1.4 percent growth in jobs in 2012. • Largely comprised of small businesses, travel and hospitality jobs can’t be out- sourced or exported. More than 1,200 jobs with a total personal income of $24.3 million were supported by visi- tors to Douglas County last year. • Our tourism economy generated $9.1 million in state and local revenue. Without the state and local taxes gener- ated by tourism, each Douglas County household would pay nearly $575 to maintain the current level of govern- ment services. What is the tourism outlook for 2013? • We have every reason to be optimis- tic that Wisconsin’s tourism industry will see sustained but modest growth in 2013, despite reported lack of con- sumer confidence nationwide. • Wisconsin has a strong, value-driven tourism product, a resilient and creative tourism industry and large pockets of potential travelers within a short drive from the state’s travel destinations. • The state has several large events and anniversaries to keep Wisconsin front and center in the national media in 2013, such as the Harley-Davidson 110th anniversary, the National Gov- ernor’s Association meeting in Mil- waukee and the Great River Road 75th Anniversary. What are some trends impacting travelers’ decisions? • Time poverty affects how people travel and it comes as no surprise that Wis- consin experienced a strong growth in day travelers in 2012. Value also remains an important factor in travel motivation as national consumer con- fidence is still uncertain. • Wisconsin’s good value, close-to-home location, friendly service and fun va- cation experiences have held the state in good stead under these established travel behaviors. On the state level, how do we know that tourism promotion and marketing are good investments? • The state Department of Tourism received a nearly 20 percent budget increase dur- ing the 2012-2013 biennium. These addi- tional funds helped the state increase its advertising to successfully compete for tourism dollars with our Upper Midwest competitors, such as Michigan, that are outspending us two to one. • For the 2014-2015 biennium, the gov- ernor has proposed a $500,000 increase targeting international marketing, meetings and conventions and public relations. In addition, $1.1 million in recent lapses have been restored to the tourism budget. • The Department’s marketing strategy based on “fun” is resonating. For every dollar the Department spent on sum- mer and fall advertising in 2012, $6 was returned to the state in additional tax revenue. Awareness of the Department’s advertising campaigns increased from 53 percent in 2010 to 58 percent in 2012. • According to a case study report produced by Longwoods International for the U.S. Travel Association, states such as Michi- gan that maintain or increase funding for their destination marketing seize market share. On the other hand, those states such as Colorado or Washington that cut pro- grams suffer immediate revenue shortfalls and other negative consequences. How is the Department of Tourism mar- keting Wisconsin? • The state has focused on the brand of “fun,” which is the No. 1 travel moti- vator according to the Department’s marketing research. • The Department debuted its summer TV ad – “The Lake” – from Hollywood direc- tor and Wisconsin native David Zucker and actor Robert Hays (who starred in the “Airplane!” movie comedy). It was met with widespread positive review from both the tourism industry and the media; The Huffington Post called it “the world’s greatest tourism ad.” • The complete summer campaign, which includes two additional TV spots plus print, digital, outdoor and radio execu- tions, launched the week of May 20. • The Department’s public relations, so- cial media and marketing efforts have garnered 13 national and international awards and recognitions since May 2012. Now, let’s go out and show our travelers why choosing Wisconsin was the best vaca- tion decision they’ve ever made. David Minor is president and chief executive officer of the Superior-Douglas County Area Chamber of Commerce. the superior business magazine 19 ]]> <![CDATA[High Standards Twin Ports Testing Inc.’s Growth is Fueled by Innovation, New Technology and Top-Notch Employee Expertise D By Judith Liebaert ick DeBolt of Twin Ports Testing Inc. (TPT) in Superior is proud of the company he founded with his wife, Millie. And he’s excited about its future. Industrial, commercial, civil engineering and public housing sectors all require third party testing to ensure they are meet- ing regulatory guidelines, safety standards and quality assurance. Twin Ports Testing has been meeting those needs for more than 41 years. The DeBolts started the company in Duluth, Minn., on Oct. 1, 1972. Testing focused mostly on pipeline welds and bends in those early days, but has grown to cover a wide range of additional testing and lab analysis. DeBolt moved TPT to Superior in 1980 for several reasons, including the opportunity to work with the city’s industrial sector and the favorable tax climate for doing business. Reflecting on the company’s success, he said, “The City of Superior has been wonderful to us. All of the city fathers have been very supportive through the years. We’ve been through the highest highs and the lowest lows and managed to prevail.” 20 P.S. june.july 2013 ]]> <![CDATA[Left: Industrial Hygiene & Environmental Services Manager Tracy Jacobs. Upper right: Chemistry Technician Rob Thomas. Lower right: Chemistry Technician Katy Mickelson. Today, Twin Ports Testing employs approximately 40 peo- ple. “About 80 percent of those are full time,” DeBolt said, add- ing that there is a seasonal aspect affecting those numbers. The company also provides internship opportunities for students in engineering and chemistry programs. “We support education in the region,” said DeBolt. “We were there with the UMD [University of Minnesota Duluth] School of Science and Engineering from the beginning.” The services TPT provides play a pivotal role in local eco- nomic development and also span a five-state region includ- ing Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa and Michigan. Industrial Hygiene & Environmental Services Manager Tracy Jacobs said though most of the work is done within that five- state region, it’s not unusual for employees go farther afield for some jobs. “We just performed noise surveys in Missouri and Kansas,” she said, explaining that noise levels in some industry work- places must be monitored to ensure they do not exceed the acceptable U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration guidelines for preventing hearing damage to employees. The list of TPT clients includes businesses and corporations in nearly every major regional industry, including petrochemi- cal, manufacturing, mining, aerospace, energy, transportation and construction for commercial, civil and residential sectors. Testing and inspection are divided among four depart- ments: nondestructive; geotechnical engineering and construc- tion materials; industrial hygiene and environmental services; and chemistry laboratory services. Each department covers a specific and complex area of testing and requires its own set of efficiencies and protocols. DeBolt’s staff of experienced engineers, scientists and certified technicians sets a high bar for meeting standards in on-site field inspection and in the laboratory. “We just performed noise surveys in Missouri and Kansas.” – Industrial Hygiene & Environmental Services Manager Tracy Jacobs DeBolt and all of his department managers said clients can rest assured that sampling and testing meets industry requirements and that the results are both accurate and repeatable. “All we have to sell here is people and integrity,” DeBolt said. “You’re no better than your integrity. Everybody within these walls is excellent at what they do.” the superior business magazine 21 ]]> <![CDATA[• Weight Loss • Detoxification • Stretch Marks • Poor Circulation • Reduce Cellulite Sales Engineer Pat Nummi 715-398-5868 www.trendsdayspaandsalon.com 823 Belknap St. • Superior, WI 54880 “We are tested quarterly for quality as- surance,” Jacobs said of the outside, inde- pendent testing the company participates in to make sure it is achieving consistently accurate results. Under Jacobs’ management, services in environmental testing cover preconstruction site assessments, permitting, air quality and soil and ground water investigations. Indus- trial hygiene testing includes the detection of asbestos, lead, mold, PCBs (polychlori- nated biphenyls) and numerous hazardous materials in both the workplace and public and private residences. “All we have to sell here is people and integrity. You’re no better than your integrity. Everybody within these walls is excellent at what they do.” – President Dick DeBolt A good portion of the work in Jacobs’ department involves testing samples for area municipalities, schools and housing indus- tries. “We’ve done a lot of work for the Fond du Lac Reservation and a lot with Carlton 22 P.S. june.july 2013 County,” Jacobs said. “Also, the City of Du- luth and the City of Superior, the housing authorities in both Duluth and Superior and the University of Minnesota Duluth and University of Wisconsin-Superior.” Some testing focuses more heavily on residential and housing customers. Jacobs said Twin Ports Testing is still getting many calls concerning mold from the after-effects of the regional flooding last June. Asbestos testing and abatement is more often done for schools and other public buildings. Demolition and remodeling sites ac- count for much of the hazardous materials testing in Jacobs’ department. “If a home is scheduled to be torn down, we’ll go in and do a lot of pre-demolition inspections to make sure there are no hazardous materials left on the site,” she said. Those jobs will often include taking a pre-demolition inventory of potentially harmful materials such as cleaning chemi- cals, mercury thermostats, fire extinguish- ers, fluorescent bulbs and similar supplies that must be dealt with in a prescribed, safe manner. Manager of Geotechnical Engineering and Construction Materials Mike Haapala explained the two distinct, but related, fields in his department. The geotechnical sampling requires taking drill samples of soil and groundwater at project sites. Some testing is performed in the field and some is taken back to the lab. ]]> <![CDATA[construction, we observe the soils, test concrete, observe reinforcing steel and look at structural steel and fireproofing aggregates or bitu- minous asphalts – things like that. “Typically, technical engineering would be for the architect or engineer. The material testing splits half-and-half between owners and architects or contractors,” Haapala explained. He noted a grow- ing trend toward owner testing due to special inspection regulations in building codes requiring the owner to sign off on inspections. Though each department has its specialty, Haapala said there is often overlap with the other departments. Nondestructive testing is one aspect of the business with such an overlap, and that especially excites DeBolt. “It’s just amazing,” he said. “Nondestructive testing is like the diagnostics of a hospital in an industrial setting.” He said the equipment used is much the same as that used in any large medical facility. Nondestructive Testing Manager Mike Olson elaborated. “We provide ultrasonic, radiographic, magnetic particle and dye penetrant inspection,” he said. “We also do corrosion map- ping, optical emission spectrometry, AWS/CWI [American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspectors] testing and in- dustrial pre- and post-heat treatment.” “They take our recommendations and use them in their construction projects.” Supervisor of Construction Materials Lab Greg Patterson – Manager of Geotechnical Engineering and Construction Materials Mike Haapala The results are put into formal engineering reports for the clients, which could be the owner, project architect, structural engineer or contractor. “They take our recommendations and use them in their con- struction projects,” Haapala said. “The way the materials testing generally plays out is with us being involved on the front end of the design site with the geotechnical engineering. As the project goes to Radiographic inspection evaluates weld integrity with the use of x-rays or gamma rays. Ultrasonic testing determines material thickness and detects weld flaws and is also used to inspect for corrosion in pipes. Magnetic particle inspection de- tects surface and sub-surface defects in steel up to one-quarter- inch in depth. And dye penetrant testing examines the material for surface-breaking flaws such as cracks. Hey Guys! Bring home dinner tonight – it’s always grilling season at Superior Meats! Home of Award-Winning Sausages! 6301 Tower Avenue, Superior, WI 54880 (715) 394-4431 Butcher Shop Quality at Supermarket Prices! info@superior-meats.com the superior business magazine 23 ]]> <![CDATA[President Dick DeBolt “Every day at work is different,” Ol- son said. “Some days we’re on a pipeline in the morning and at a mine in the af- ternoon. It’s pretty much, ‘Get here right now’ – it depends on who’s having a problem and with what.” Chemistry Lab Manager Stephen Sun- deen oversees the testing of liquid and solid fuels including coal and pelletized biomass, as well as analyzing lubricating oils for par- ticles and substances that indicate wear and breakdown of machinery. This pelletized fuel testing promises the potential for significant future growth at TPT as the company reaches into a world- wide marketplace. Pelletized fuel is a biomass product made from renewable resources and certain recycled materials. The pellets are generally made from recycled wood waste, but pos- sible sources are endless. “It’s as limitless as you can imagine,” DeBolt said. When industries burn solid fuels, two factors are of paramount interest to them: heating value and the amount of ash byproduct. TPT conducts numerous ana- lytical tests on clients’ solid fuel samples to determine if the product meets industry standards for intended applications. Testing biomass for heating value fol- lows the history of the coal industry. Mines test their coal to determine the BTU (British Thermal Unit), or heating capacity. A dollar value is then fixed accordingly. The testing allows sellers to set a premium price in the market on high quality coal, but if a buyer’s test shows a negative difference in quality, the buyer receives a discount. “Buyers want to know the quality is what the seller says it is,” Sundeen said. The same applies to the biomass fuel in- dustry, in which there are three test grades of pelletized biomass fuel: utility, standard and premium grades. “Premium is generally for home use, utility is for commercial use and standard falls in between,” Sundeen explained. “The determining factor is the content of ash, or lack thereof, for clean burning. Premium pellets have ash less than 1 percent, standard pellets have 1.5 percent and utility pellets have greater than 3 percent.” DeBolt said that with both coal and bio- mass, ash byproduct becomes a significant factor in the industry. “When you factor the huge amounts of fuels burned and the ash “Every day at work is different. Some days we’re on a pipeline in the morning and at a mine in the afternoon.” – Nondestructive Testing Manager Mike Olson Indoor Pool • Hot Tub • Sauna • Brand New Fitness Center • Restaurant • Lounge • Outdoor Patio Trails • Ample Parking • Conference Room • Suites • 100% Smoke Free • Corporate Rates Great Dining, Great Lodging and 300-seat Conference Room! 300 Marina Drive • Superior, WI • 715-392-7152 • 800-344-7515 • www.barkersislandinn.com 24 P.S. june.july 2013 ]]> <![CDATA[byproduct, what do you do with it?” he said. “Put it in a landfill?” Finally, solid fuels must also be tested for chemical and substance con- tent, as well as off gasses and byproducts of combustion that can exceed emission standards for clean air, and those which might cause undue wear or deterioration of the incinerator and parts. “We recently became ISO 17025 ac- credited for international biomass test- ing. That basically states our laboratory adheres to strict quality standards when testing products, so the test data is repro- ducible and traceable,” Sundeen said. “If anyone has an issue with our numbers they can use the same method, run the exact same sample and get a number very close to our results.” “This ISO standard is huge,” DeBolt said. “It has actually put us on the board in the world.” “All of the European buyers and sellers require their pellets to be tested by an ISO accredited lab,” added Sundeen. In addition, TPT is as third-party tester accredited by the American Lumber Stan- dard Committee for compliance with the Pellet Fuel Institute Standards Program. Level II Nondestructive Testing Technicians Pat Kelleher, left, and Chad Lustig. Photo Courtesy of Twin Ports Testing “Everything Electrical” • Commercial • Industrial • Residential • Great Lakes Marine • Design-Build • Low Voltage/Fiber • Electric Motors • Service & Maintenance B Contractors • Manufacturers • Engineers C o . enson E lectric Locally Owned Since 1912 1102 N. 3rd Street, Superior • 715-394-5547 TM Electric Motors - 715-392-4202 the superior business magazine 25 ]]> <![CDATA[Left to right: Credit Manager Tiz Becker, Office Manager Sherry Holtketter, Administrative Assistant Jessica Bachke. Stove manufacturers must meet industry requirements in order to pro- vide warranties for their products. These manufacturers want pellet producers to produce pellets of a quality-consistent grade to help maintain stove integrity. “If you don’t want your warranty to ex- pire, you have to use a pellet tested by an ac- credited lab,” Sundeen said. These two accreditations put Twin Ports Testing at the forefront of third party testing in the biomass fuels industry. It’s a well-deserved achievement, given this com- pany’s efforts in promoting the pelletized fuel industry since the early 1980s. Much of the technology for pelletized fuel was developed by UMD’s Natural Re- sources Research Institute (NRRI). “Twin Ports testing has definitely taken a lead- ership role in the biomass industry and in helping to develop standards,” said the NRRI’s Brian Brashaw, director of wood materials and manufacturing. “We’ve been working with them for probably 20 years. They have the ability to conduct testing we don’t have equipment for. They always provide a quick turnaround with excellent, dependable service.” J.R. Jensen Construction Co. of Su- perior is also a longtime customer. Vice President Doug Montavan counts on TPT to work with them for optimal results. “It’s been a great experience work- ing with the people at Twin Ports Testing,” Montavan said. “We’ve been using them for materials testing since 1983. We can always count on them to discuss special projects and hurdles we have to overcome. They work with us to accomplish our needs on a day-to-day basis and help us do the best job we can as contractors.” Clay Mariucci of Joy Global, Inc., a mining solutions company, agrees. Mariucci is shop and field operations supervisor of Joy Global’s U.S. Iron Range Service Center in Virginia, Minn. “They do nondestructive Hello, I am Jonathan Asp, your local Authorized Xerox agent. You make important business decisions every day. Your suc- cess depends on having accurate, current information - specific to your particular needs - so you can make well-informed choices that result in positive change. I can help. First, let’s recognize that your printing, copying, and docu- ment management needs have changed considerably since you bought your first fax machine, printer, or copier. Maybe you’ve found new applications - like producing your own brochures and newsletters - that have increased the demands that you place on your equipment. Let me help you identify areas of opportunity and suggest solutions to your current and evolving business needs. Mobile print technology allows you to take your business wherever you need it to go. Solid ink technology gives you vibrant black or color with minimal waste. And secure scan- ning protects your critical documents. Let me introduce you to these and other advancements that can improve your efficiency and security while protecting the environment. And here’s the best part: special discounts, contract pricing, and the Xerox exchange program can make something new more affordable than your current equipment. Let’s work together to identify ways to improve your bottom line. Jonathan Asp, President Superior Business Solutions, Inc. 2216 Lamborn Avenue • Superior, WI 54880 218-340-8769 jonathan.asp@officesalesagent.com www.sbs-twinports.com Visit our Showroom at 802 Garfield Ave, Suite 103 • Duluth, MN Contract Pricing & Discounts • American Bankers Association American Bar Association American Institute of CPA’s • Catholic Purchasing Services • Educational & Institutional Organizations • National Association of Realtors • Printing Industries of America • State & Federal Offices • Chambers of Commerce • VHA / Novation / Provista 26 P.S. june.july 2013 ]]> <![CDATA[testing of welds and equipment we build and rebuild for mining companies,” he said. “They have been an excellent testing com- pany for us.” Mariucci also said he can always count on TPT, no matter what. “They are a customer service based company, reli- able and dependable. They’ll bend over backwards,” he said. “Just last week we had them on hold for when we finished a certain project. They waited for the call from us and came right out.” “Buyers want to know the quality is what the seller says it is.” – Chemistry Lab Manager Stephen Sundeen PLM Supervisor Ron Hautamaki of Enbridge Energy said Twin Ports Test- ing has been a very good service provider for more than 25 years. “We use them for nondestructive testing to x-ray welds to pipe scans,” he said. “They also do fit test- ing of our respirators. Every one of our employees has to be fitted for a full face mask. We’ve been very happy with their service. They are good to work with.” DeBolt said, “Local businesses are like family to us. When the customer calls, we’re there for them.” Haapala has seen that philosophy in action. He said most of the people who work at TPT have been there a long time. “They know the area, they know our customers and I think that’s what we are really valued for – our experience and our service.” Sundeen has been with TPT for only a short time, but said it’s been a wonder- ful adventure moving forward with the company. He noted that TPT is ranked number four and is moving into the top five labs in a program through which labs participate in proficiency testing for re- sults comparison. In addition, Sundeen believes what really sets Twin Ports Testing apart from other labs is the direct customer service of a smaller operation. “If a customer calls with a problem, they don’t speak to two or three different people and wait a long time to get an answer. It gets sent straight to my desk and is taken care of right away,” he said. “Our customers appreciate that and have told us they are even willing to pay more for that kind of personalized atten- tion and service.” DeBolt also emphasized the impor- tance of family and the role his wife, Mil- lie, played in helping the company thrive and grow. “She is self-taught, but took on the challenge of running the office and the accounting. She has good people skills, too. Everybody here likes Millie,” Debolt said. She recently and officially re- tired from the business office, but is still a frequent visitor. DeBolt also attributes some of his company’s success to embracing new technology and emerging industries. “I’ve never been afraid of new tech- nology,” he said. “I admire the improve- ments we’ve done and how bright the youth are today.” With such a highly trained and mo- tivated staff, Twin Ports Testing’s future looks every bit as bright. Judith Liebaert is freelance writer based in the Supe- rior area. The Superior Choice in Flooring Carpet: Wear-Dated® Embrace™ is an irresistibly soft nylon Tile: Porcelain Slate Natural Stone Vinyl Cork Hardwood We offer professional installation and free estimates. The Northland’s largest inventory! Hardwood Sanding and Refinishing 1021 Tower Ave., Superior, WI 54880 • 715-394-3637 • www.greaterfloors.com the superior business magazine 27 ]]> <![CDATA[bid news Yeah, Right! The BID’s 24th Annual Meeting Included a Trip Down Memory Lane and a Celebration of Partnerships for Progress T By Kay Tenerelli he Superior Business Improvement Dis- trict held its 24th Annual Meeting on April 25 at Vintage Italian Pizza in the heart of downtown Superior. Yes, it was easy access to this business located on North Tower Avenue, where construc- tion has begun on the new face for this street. The speaker for the evening was Jay Ott, pub- lisher of this great magazine. He began his speech by repeating a conversation he had with his wife prior to leaving for our meeting. She asked where and for whom was he speaking. He replied, “I am speaking at the VIP for the BID.” Her reaction was, “Yeah, right!” This became the response Jay asked for from the audience as he took us on a memory lane trip down North Tower Avenue. Many memo- ries were stirred and many ‘yeah, rights’ were heard. Jay provided the audience members with a sense of what North Tower Avenue had been and challenged them to establish a North Tower Avenue that would create memories for future generations. Jay also gave an overview of the chrono- logical development of Positively Superior magazine and how it has become such a val- ued resource for the business community. The magazine’s goal was, and continues to be, producing positive articles about the busi- ness and nonprofit sectors of Superior. It has been a success, and like North Tower Ave- nue, PS magazine will continue to serve and promote current and future businesses. All BID property and business owners received a copy of the 2012 BID annual re- port. John Conway, providing the outgo- ing board chair’s report, detailed not only the past year’s focus on North Tower Av- enue, but gave credit to the many support organizations and volunteers that allow the BID to fulfill its mission and goals. Some excerpts from his report: 28 P.S. june.july 2013 ]]> <![CDATA[The bid is in: The contractor has been chosen and North Tower Avenue will be redone this construction season. This has been on the BID’s radar for more than a decade. To the volunteers working with the BID the past 20 years: You have done well. You came to us bringing your talents and abilities to contribute to a project design that will serve Superior for decades. To the State of Wisconsin for seeing the need for Tower Avenue replacement and sending a staff that is so pleasant and easy to work with: Thank you! To Mayor Bruce Hagan and his more than gracious staff and city em- ployees who worked relentlessly to get next projects to move the business district toward a more appealing look. My executive director’s report touched on the North Tower Avenue pre-construction activities including the final design for the streetscape, the hir- ing of Greenfield Communications to as- sist with the development of support and promotional materials for the project and the potential events to occur during the construction period. Most important was the establishment of the BID as the clearing house for information between the contractor and the property and busi- ness owners through its website, the City of Superior, the Chamber, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and The Development Association. It won’t be easy, but it will get done. The finished project will be something citizens of Superior can be proud of. this project going (and holding to the vision of a downtown that will serve Superior for years): It’s an honor to be able to assist the mayor in his efforts to improve Superior. As I’ve said, this has been in the works for years. The final push has be- gun. It won’t be easy, but it will get done. The finished project will be something citizens of Superior can be proud of. The BID will continue to work on the issues that concern BID businesses, grants, advice, assistance with buildings, etc., but is already assisting the mayor with his Design Committee Chair Gary Banker (this is the committee overseeing the streetscape design for North Tower Av- enue) began the design considerations for the Belknap construction project scheduled for 2016-2017. The marketing committee held or supported several events throughout the year including the Farmers’ Market, BIDtoberfest, Surprise Santa and the Community Holiday Party. This com- mittee played a major support role in the development of the North Tower Avenue support and promotional materials. The partnership between SPACES (Superior Public Arts Creating Commu- nity Environments) and the BID contin- ued with the Phantom Galleries Supe- rior Project. Four galleries rotated out four times in 2012, providing an avenue for vacant business spaces to be viewed in a different light by potential tenants and the opportunity for juried profes- sional artists to have a venue for their works. The Duluth Superior Area Com- munity Foundation awarded the BID its 2012 Touchstone Award for Civic Engagement for the Phantom Galleries Superior. In addition, the Back Door Art Project completed six back doors with one more to be completed this spring. The BID’s grant programs remained strong. Ten grants were awarded total- ing $37,000 with private investment of $283,000. The BID enjoyed a positive growth in businesses in 2012 with 23 new businesses opening, three ownership changes and four businesses closing. 2013 brings continued challenges and opportunities for the BID: road construction (which indicates economic development and growth); new events; a continuation of the BID grant programs; enhancement of our relationship with the arts community (especially SPAC- E2S); and redevelopment and recruit- ment efforts, not only for North Tower Avenue, but for the entire BID. The BID board of directors contin- ues to be the backbone of the organiza- tion. Their unwavering commitment to the BID, its property and business own- ers and the community has paved the way for a more vibrant BID where busi- nesses thrive. Kay Tenerelli is executive director of the Superior Busi- ness Improvement District. Superior BID Board of Directors: Board chair: Alan Jacques - Belknap Liquor & Lounge Past chair: John Conway - Superior Glass Inc. Vice chair: Julie Nelson - Trends Salon & Spa Secretary/Treasurer:Joye Bedard - National Bank of Commerce Directors: Aaron Dandrea -Vintage Italian Pizza, Jim DeMeyer - Winter Street Depot, Barb Edberg - Pioneer Abstract & Title, Janet Hanson - University of Wisconsin-Superior, Parrish Jones - Torvinen, Jones, Kirk & Routh, S.C., Chris Kari - Kari Toyota, Dave Miller - Northwest Outlet the superior business magazine 29 ]]> <![CDATA[“Lucius Woods puts Solon Springs on the map. It helps to promote the community and it is just one more thing for us to be proud of.” – Board Secretary Ken Thoreson 30 P.S. june.july 2013 ]]> <![CDATA[Lucius Woods Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center Begins Its 20th Season of Showcasing Eclectic Music in a Beautiful Outdoor Setting By Beth Probst T wenty years ago, something magi- cal happened in a small county park in the heart of Douglas County. And each summer, thou- sands travel to the small village of Solon Springs to enjoy the sounds of the magical concerts that take place at Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center. The Performing Arts Center was an un- likely response to a group of folks working to respond to economic development concerns in the Solon Springs area. The University of Wisconsin-Extension, community mem- bers and the Douglas County Forestry De- partment were brainstorming on how they could improve the long-term economy of Solon Springs. One person involved in these conversations was Frank Giesen, who grew up in Superior. Giesen, who is a long-time music enthusiast, loved attending Ravinia Festival events when he lived in Chicago with his wife, Mary. The outdoor venue allowed them to hear wonderful music outside, under the stars. When they moved back to Wisconsin and settled in Solon Springs, the Giesens strongly believed that experience could be replicated in the great Northwoods, even with the challenges summer in Wisconsin occasionally presents. A combination of timing, the Giesens’ unwavering passion for music and a com- munity that backed their vision led from an idea on paper to building an outdoor band shell in the heart of the a Douglas County forest. In July of 1994, the first concert in Leahy – a group of eight musical brothers and sisters from Canada – enchants the audience. Photo courtesy of photographer JoAnn Jardine, Studio One Photography. the park took place, providing an experience that attendees, board and community mem- bers called simply magical. Now, 20 years later, this experience has been replicated dozens of times. Performing Arts Center executive direc- tor position earlier this year, can’t help but be a bit romantic in describing why the Music in the Park series she over- saw for more than a decade is so special. “Something magical happens when the artists appear on stage. To see the audience engaged with nature and music is really special.” – retired Executive Director Pat Pluntz What makes Lucius Woods so special? “Dragonflies flying through the air, birds overhead, surrounded by trees with the lake in the background…” Pat Pluntz, who retired from the Lucius Woods One can’t argue with her about the magi- cal feel of the park. But certainly, some shrewd and strategic decisions early on also played an important supporting role in making this venue successful. the superior business magazine 31 ]]> <![CDATA[“One of the best things we did early on is that children’s admission 12 and under is free,” Pluntz explained. “In addi- tion, a half-price fee for students 13 years old through college was initiated. We wanted to encourage families to attend and keep kids interested in music.” As a result, the Concert in the Park series has a family feel to it. Since the concerts take place outside in a large park and people bring their own seating, kids have plenty of space to roam freely while being introduced to a variety of eclectic music. That variety of music is another strategy that has served the venue well. “We’re always keeping in mind that our audience skews a bit older and as we age, so do they,” Pluntz said. “So we’re always trying to move down the age demograph- ic by bringing in new kinds of music in hopes of drawing in new people.” Perhaps most successful is an annual performance by The Whitesidewalls. The concert draws up to 2,000 attendees who enjoy the group’s performances of classic doo-wop to rockabilly to pounding rock and roll. Singer/songwriter and pianist Frankie Moreno (named “Headliner of the Year” in Las Vegas) will deliver an electrifying performance on July 20. Photo courtesy of Frankie Moreno and published with permission. A gorgeous, family-friendly setting and eclectic music play a major role in making the venue a success. But regardless of how great the venue and performers are, if the acoustics aren’t right, it can be a deal breaker. The folks behind Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center understood this from the beginning. To create the perfect sound, the group hired a Minneapolis firm to create the best music resonance possible in an outdoor space. The actual concert shell was careful- ly crafted from local wood harvested from the black forest in Gordon, Wis. It consists Monroe Crossing’s blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel and heartfelt originals makes the group a crowd-pleaser. Photo courtesy of photographer JoAnn Jardine, Studio One Photography. 32 P.S. june.july 2013 ]]> <![CDATA[primarily of red pine logs and tamarack panels on the interior. The end result is an outdoor performance with the quality of a controlled, indoor concert. “Something magical happens when the artists appear on stage,” Pluntz said. “To see the audience engaged with nature and music is really special.” For 11 years, Pluntz worked hard to recreate that magic every summer. In 2012, she knew in her heart it was time to retire, so she announced her plans to the board. “This is a very demanding job, where one wears many hats,” Pluntz said. “I wanted to retire before I needed to retire because I couldn’t handle the demands of the job.” About the time Pluntz made her de- cision, Teresa “Mick” Salmen was going through a major transition of her own. Sal- men, who had been coming to the Solon Springs area every summer since she was little, decided to move to Solon Springs in August of 2012. “I always knew I wanted to end up in Solon Springs,” Salmen explained. “There is just something special about this area.” Once settled in Solon Springs, Sal- men began putting out feelers for po- tential work in the area. “People in town knew I was job hunting and told me they thought Pat might be retiring in April,” she said. A long-time attendee of the concert park series and friend of the Giesens, Sal- men was certainly familiar with the venue. She called Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center to learn more about the position and “The best part is when the season begins. To see all of the hard work of the past 12 months coming to fruition and see everyone having a wonderful time is pretty perfect.” – Board President Jean Till discovered it was a perfect fit. In April, she took over as executive director – something Pluntz feels great about. “She is going to do a wonderful job. She’s terrific and gets along with every- one,” Pluntz said. “She enjoys people and relates well with the volunteers. I know she’s going to experience many years of success.” Salmen has a long career of manag- ing people and projects. Most recently, she worked as a production manager for Shadetree Canopies in Columbus, Ohio. There, she supervised a staff of 25 to 50 while overseeing everything from inven- tory levels to orders, production schedules and shipping deadlines. That experience serves her well in her role as executive At Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center, audiences enjoy concerts in a beautiful outdoor setting. Photo courtesy of photographer JoAnn Jardine, Studio One Photography. the superior business magazine 33 ]]> <![CDATA[“This venue is great for the area. It is certainly an economic driver for the Solon Springs area.” – Executive Director Kaye Tenerelli, Superior Business Improvement District director. “I’m used to watching a project from beginning to end,” Salmen said. In addition to her skill set and genuine passion for the venue, she says being new helps. “I think the biggest thing I bring to the table is a fresh perspective to the venue,” said Salmen. “I hope to bring some ideas that are outside the box, especially in the areas of marketing and media exposure.” Some of the ideas she’s already mulling are to encourage the community of Solon Springs to become even more involved with the venue. “I’d love to see more local events,” she explained, “maybe add some day con- certs featuring local groups targeted to those living in the area.” Currently, Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center utilizes the concert shell on nine Saturdays during the peak of summer. The park and shell are actually owned by Doug- las County and managed by the Douglas County Forestry Department. Each year, Lucius Woods informs the county of concert nights. The rest of the summer, the space can be rented out to anyone within the public, so there’s certainly room to grow the number of events hosted by this venue. To do so, though, is not as easy as it sounds. Salmen is the only paid staff mem- ber of the organization. Outside of Salmen, the Friends of Lucius Woods organization is what makes the magic happen. “Their help is huge. Without them, I couldn’t do my job,” Salmen said. Current- ly, 83 individuals participate in Friends of Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center. At performances, these volunteers set up, tear down, take tickets, distribute programs and sell merchandise. Outside of the concert season, they assist with mailings and other office duties. They also oversee two major fundraisers per year that help keep Lucius Woods in the black. These fundraisers in- clude a silent auction during the busiest summer performance and a golf tourna- ment and dinner in early fall. Outside of the Friends of Lucius Woods group, local Solon Springs high school students also pitch in at the ven- ue to meet their service project require- ments. The Solon Springs Fire Depart- ment provides the parking and emergency services. The Solon Springs Lions Club provides the concessions; profits from the concession stand are used to support the club’s local charitable projects. And there are many others who volunteer. Some are spouses of members of these organiza- tions and others are people who simply believe in the benefits of the Music in the Park concert series. It became clear early on to Sal- men (as it did to Pluntz) that without the Friends of Lucius Woods and other generous community members, Lucius Woods would struggle to survive. Choose Us - You Have the Right To Choose Your Therapist. Direct Access - Physician Referral NOT ALWAYS Required. Jim Rauzi PT, CKTP Debbie Merrick PTA, CKTP Kathy Olson PTA Jane Worley PT, MS Professional Certification: • Kinesio ® Taping Practitioners • Graston Technique Practitioners • DSI Job Function Matching and FCA Certified 34 P.S. june.july 2013 ]]> <![CDATA[“The biggest challenge for Lucius Woods will always be financial,” Pluntz said. “There is not an arts organization that I know of that relies on ticket sales alone. It is the generosity of sponsors and donors, along with countless volunteers, that makes Lucius Woods work.” In addition to the Friends group, Lu- cius Woods Performing Arts Center has a very active and engaged board commit- ted to setting the vision for the organiza- tion. Current Board President Jean Till first joined the board about seven years ago. Like most board members, she was a regular attendee of the concerts and was passionate about the venue. Today, she says the board is focused on ensuring the next 20 years for Lu- cius Woods Performing Arts Center are just as successful as its first two decades. “We’re focused on keeping the concerts enjoyable by providing professional en- tertainment that is affordable for families and free for kids,” Till said. To accomplish this, she says the board pays close attention to who is attending the concerts. “It is important for us to know our audience really well,” Till explained. “We need to be alert to the changes in peo- ple’s music tastes and work to reach all age groups throughout the summer.” Till says the hard work is definitely worth it, come the season kickoff. “The best part is when the season begins,” she says. “To see all of the hard work of the past 12 months coming to fruition and to see everyone hav- ing a wonderful time is pretty perfect.” The Dukes of Dixieland weave country, pop and musical strands with their authentic New Orleans jazz and Dixieland. Photo courtesy of photographer JoAnn Jardine, Studio One Photography. “It brings in people from all over, but is also an opportunity to see people you haven’t seen for a long time. It has a real community feel.” – Cindy Theien, immediate past president of the board Superior Has Land Available for Business Development! The City of Superior and the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Superior (RACS) have land available for industrial, commercial and mixed use development. Incentives may apply and are determined on a case by case basis. Interstate Industrial Park Manufacturing Sites (TIF #7): Winter Street Industrial Central/Blaine Tax Park Manufacturing Increment Financing Sites (TIF # 9): District #11: North 6th Street and Tower Avenue….24,000 sq. ft. Approximately 10 acres of land located west of Hallett Dock #8. North 6th Street and Ogden Avenue….24,000 sq. ft. North 8th Street and Tower Avenue….35,000 sq. ft. City/RACS will subdivide property based on project scope. Commercial/Mixed use development opportunities in the area of Belknap Street and Weeks and Grand Avenues. Public and private land available for commercial and retail devel- opments as well as mixed use developments, which feature a residential component. City of Superior 1316 North 14th Street • Superior, WI 54880 www.ci.superior.wi.us • 715-395-7335 the superior business magazine 35 ]]> <![CDATA[Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center board of directors (left to right): Mary Hinaus, Frank Giesen, Renee Wachter, Sheryl Berglinger, Gwen Theien, Cathy Forrest, Ken Thoreson, Teresa Salmen, Jean Till, Cindy Theien, David Vose, Andy Lisak. Personalized Hometown Service • Premium Cubed & Block Ice • Manufactured Locally with Crystal Clear Lake Superior Water • Energy Efficient Merchandisers • Freezer Trailer Rental for Any Size Event • Ice Machine Sales & Service • Same-Day Service • Emergency Service Available • Dry Ice Always Available • Locally Owned and Operated 602 Ogden Ave. • Superior, WI 715-395-5513 • 888-943-2665 www.carlson-lakeshore.com Serving the Twin Ports and surrounding area 36 P.S. june.july 2013 Cindy Theien, immediate past presi- dent of the board, agrees. “This is a crown- ing event for our area,” she said. “It brings in people from all over, but is also an op- portunity to see people you haven’t seen for a long time. It has a real community feel.” This influx of people results in a posi- tive economic impact for the area. Execu- tive Director Kaye Tenerelli of the Superior Business Improvement District (and for- mer Lucius Woods board president) has always been a long-time fan of outdoor entertainment. “This venue is great for the area,” said Tenerelli. “It is certainly an eco- nomic driver for the Solon Springs area.” Given the location of Lucius Woods, people wanting to attend the concerts make Solon Springs their destination. As a result, area restaurants and gas stations experience the ripple effect of welcoming an influx of visitors to town on Satur- day nights. It also introduces thousands of people to the area each summer who might not otherwise have known about its many attractions and scenic beauty. Local business owner and Lucius Woods Board Secretary Ken Thoreson was first approached to join the board ]]> <![CDATA[about 10 years ago by Frank Giesen. “He basically told me I had no choice,” Thore- son joked. “But that was okay, because I was excited to be part of the board.” While his business, Solon Mercantile, caters to area residents’ needs and doesn’t see direct economic benefits from the venue, Thoreson feels Lucius Woods helps Solon Springs as a whole. “Lucius Woods puts Solon Springs on the map,” he said. “It helps to promote the community and it is just one more thing for us to be proud of.” This summer will likely be no ex- ception. As part of the 20th anniversary concert series, Lucius Woods has created a concert schedule with some of the most popular previous performers it has ever had, including “An Evening with David Itkin and Special Guest De Ann Burger Letourneau.” Itkin is most known for his work on the movie score for “Sugar Creek.” He has also conducted a large number of professional orchestras, both here and abroad. The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra will also be returning to the venue with a slightly smaller version of the orchestra. The concert features the premier appearance of the new DSSO conductor, Dirk Meyer, and will focus on jazz performances. Finally, the popular Whitesidewalls will also make their an- nual trek to the Northwoods. Other concerts include The Highway- men (a tribute to Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash) and Michael Perry & the Long Beds, with their special brand of country folk music. In keeping with the goal of show- casing eclectic music, the summer con- cert series will feature some totally new acts including the Celtic sounds of Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack, also known as Switchback and the Switchback Dancers. And those longing for a touch of Las Vegas glitz will definitely get it when Frankie Moreno takes center stage. The talented singer/songwriter/pianist plays for sold-out audiences at the Las Ve- gas Stratosphere and has been on national tours, co-headlining with SugarLand and Billy Currington. Moreno also wowed the audience on NBC’s “Dancing With the Stars” show, appeared on PBS’s “Great Performances, Live at Lincoln Center” and was named “Headliner of the Year” in Las Vegas. The lineup is the perfect blend of old and new favorites and marks the start of the next 20 years of magic in the park. “We’re passing on a legacy that may look very different in 20 years,” Thoreson said. “As things change and the climate changes for concerts, I’m confident we’ll be able to adjust to new times and new audiences.” This widespread commitment to keep Lucius Woods vibrant speaks volumes to what a community can do when it comes together to provide a magical experience for area residents and visitors alike. Beth Probst is a freelance writer in Iron River, Wis. Monitor your business using your laptop, iPad ® or smartphone with TA Video Security. Our technology provides a security system that you control with the touch of a finger from anywhere in the world that has Internet access. • Multiple office locations • Remote business surveillance • Construction site applications • Retail surveillance and security recording • Parking lot/ramp security • Turn-key installation and service • Training and maintenance • Affordable all-inclusive monthly billing If you need to protect your business or propertY, CALL US! 715-392-8101 the superior business magazine 37 ]]> <![CDATA[uw-superior UW-Superior Campus is Cleaner and Greener Than Ever Plants bloom on the green roof of the Yellowjacket Union, a major sustainability feature of the building. F By Tom Hansen rom new, state-of-the art buildings to cleaning prod- ucts without chemicals to electric cars, UW-Superior is taking steps to be more environmentally friendly. One of the many highlights of sustainability on campus is the Yellowjacket Union, which opened in January 2010. It recently achieved LEED® (Leadership in Ener- gy and Environmental Design) Silver certification highlighting the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. Gail Archambault, the director of the Yellowjacket Union, is quite proud of the certification achievement. “The design team’s goal from the beginning was to become LEED certified,” she said. “Everything we did in the design process – from air handling to water, natural lighting and the green roof – were all concepts designed to achieve that goal.” The building makes use of natural solar lighting. The slop- ing “green roof ” helps to cool the building in the summer and is covered with a mat of vegetation to absorb rainwater. Materials used to build and furnish the facility contain recycled materials, the bathroom fixtures save on water and even the parking lot lights use LED lighting with dimming features. The parking lot goes a step further and contains bioswales (landscape elements incorporating drainage courses) that cap- ture and hold the snow and rain, filtering it before it moves into the city storm system. Parking lots at the Jim Dan Hill Library, 38 P.S. june.july 2013 Marcovich Wellness Center, Ross Hall and Hawkes Hall have bioswales as well. Director of Facilities Tom Fennessey gives credit to the stu- dents for their determination in the Yellowjacket Union project. “The students are the ones that should be congratulated,” Fen- nessey said. “The students wanted to have it LEED certified and leave a legacy of helping to plan and pay for the building.” Inside the Yellowjacket Union, the Jacket Java coffee shop run by A’viands Food & Services Management is named a 2-Star Certified Green Restaurant by the Green Restaurant Associa- tion.® All the food services provided on campus by A’viands include a full-scale recycling program. All cardboard, paper plastics and cans are recycled. All food waste is collected and composted. Cooking oil is picked up weekly and recycled into livestock feed ingredients and biofuels. A’viands strives to use as many locally produced items as it can, such as veggies from the residence life gardens on cam- pus, which produce tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and herbs for the café. Swenson Hall opened in the summer of 2011 and was also built to LEED Silver certified standards. This new academic building has many sustainable features, such as maximum use of natural lighting, and is built with materials including bio- based floor tile, terrazzo, carpet and ceramic tile made with recycled materials. ]]> <![CDATA[The State of Wisconsin…was so impressed by innovative practices at UW-Superior that it raised the standard to 75 percent. The facilities management staff at UW- Superior also lead by example. Staff mem- bers can be found riding around campus on mountain bikes and have made the depart- ment virtually paperless, working with tab- lets and iPads whenever possible. Over the past four years, facilities man- agement has incorporated more healthful cleaning products used on campus. No pes- ticides or herbicides are used on lawns and the grass is kept a bit higher to save even Facilities staff members Dusty Johnson, left, and Frank Andrews getting ready to break in the new e-cars. more resources on mowing, weed control and watering. There are also more “no-mow zones” throughout campus near creeks, hills and waterways. The administration at UW-Superior also had the vision and the foresight to recycle buildings during demolition. The old Rothwell Student Center was 86 per- cent recycled as items were used for other purposes. Sundquist Hall was 93 percent recycled, McCaskill Hall 55 percent and Ross/Hawkes Hall renovations 80 percent. The State of Wisconsin had established a minimum demolition and construction rate of 50 percent, but was so impressed by innovative practices at UW-Superior that it raised the standard to 75 percent. UW-Superior will also begin utilizing four new electric cars to move people and equipment around campus. The Neighbor- hood Electric Vehicle (NEV) cars are low speed and road compliant. The electric ve- hicles were originally built for the military and have about 50 miles of road life with each charge. The cars can use any plug-in for a charge and will allow the campus to save money on fuel. The new greenhouse connected to Bar- stow Hall, opening in June, is much more energy efficient. The old greenhouse will also be recycled. New high-bay fluorescent lighting retrofits have been installed at Wessman Arena, Lydia Thering Fieldhouse and at Mertz Mortorelli Gym, replacing outdat- ed lighting equipment and using sensors to save on energy. Campus-wide recycling programs have been ongoing for years with separation of paper, glass, cardboard, plastics and cans. Students, faculty and staff have been using the new recycling bins and doing their part on a daily basis. So on your next visit to UW-Superior, take a look around the campus. You will see green and clean! Tom Hansen is a university relations specialist at the University of Wisconsin- Superior. the superior business magazine 39 ]]> <![CDATA[Harboring Superior Enjoyment Barker’s Island Marina Offers Boating Enthusiasts Easy Access to the Great Lake They Love W By Paul Nicolaus hen asked how she first got into boating, Minneapolis resident Sue Erickson jokes that she blames it all on her husband, pointing back to her very first date with him. It was then that Jeff shared his ultimate dream: to own a boat on Lake Superior. Fast forward years later to when that opportunity presented itself. “The first time he ever saw this boat, I saw my hus- band as a six-year-old,” Erickson recalls. “I mean he couldn’t eat, drink or sleep; he was so in love with this boat.” She also remembers the fear racing through her own body before trying out their new adventure. Not quite knowing what to expect, she had visions of a camp- ing trip gone wrong, leaving them cold, 40 P.S. june.july 2013 wet and miserable. And more than any- thing, she feared that she wouldn’t enjoy the dream her husband had envisioned for so long. “But that first night I was on that boat it was like, where have I been?” Erickson recalls. “I mean it was amazing.” That initial experience washed away any uncertainties for good and the pair has never looked back, sharing their joint passion for boating and the waters of Lake Superior with one another ever since. It’s this love of what Joe Radtke, gen- eral manager of Barker’s Island Marina and president of Sailboats, Inc., refers to as the “greatest of the Great Lakes” that’s at the core of this marina and the company that runs it. After all, Lake Superior is the big- gest, the deepest, the coldest and the most pristine of them all. Jack Culley’s Legacy Lives On ike many, Jack Culley first got into sailing as an avocation, but it wasn’t long before his hobby turned into some- thing much more than that. The former Pillsbury executive founded Sailboats, Inc. in the 1970s and started selling small boats and then progressively larger ones. Eventually, he expanded his business into one that included sailing schools, charter fleets and marina management. So when the city of Superior sought an operator for Barker’s Island Marina in the late ‘70s, he put forth a successful proposal and the rest, as they say, is histo- ry. It was 1980 when his company opened the new marina, and Sailboats, Inc. has managed it for the city ever since. The marina was an economic devel- opment project that had three partners: L ]]> <![CDATA[Left: Owners will soon enjoy the summer season on their boats. Right: Eric Thom- as, service manager and vice president of Sailboats, Inc., and Joe Radtke, general manager and Sailboats, Inc. president. “To date our lease payments have totaled over $7.3 mil- lion. Those dollars go right into the city’s general fund and it’s an important revenue source.” – General Manager Joe Radtke, Barker’s Island Marina the city, the State of Wisconsin, and the federal Economic Development Adminis- tration. It was Mayor Bruce Hagen’s vision that the project would be the beginning of the redevelopment of Barker’s Island, which at the time was nothing more than a pile of dredge spoils from the harbor. “It’s been a great partnership,” Radt- ke notes. The city owns the marina, in- cluding the land, the docks, the buildings and even some of the equipment, but Sailboats, Inc. handles all the day-to-day operations and pays the city a percentage of its revenues. “To date our lease pay- ments have totaled over $7.3 million,” says Radtke. “Those dollars go right into the city’s general fund and it’s an impor- tant revenue source.” According to Radtke, marinas are natural economic drivers because they have the ability to clean up and enhance the waterfront, create a focal point for boat owners and the community at large, and bring people into the Superior area from miles away during boating season. “Jack was a huge promoter of Bark- er’s Island Marina and Superior,” says Radtke, “and in addition to growing the marina business, he developed the Bark- er’s Island Townhomes housing develop- ment on the south end of the island. This housing development has dovetailed very well with the marina and hotel to create a multifaceted economic impact for the city of Superior.” Although Culley passed away last year at the age of 82, Radtke says his leg- acy lives on. One of the things he devel- oped to help sell boats was a learn-to-sail program that has graduated more than 11,000 students. The program takes indi- viduals who have done little or no sailing, and over the course of three days, trains them to take a boat of up to 30 feet out safely and confidently on a big body of water like Lake Superior. “His legacy was really his vision and his ability to introduce literally thousands of people to sailing and to Lake Superior,” Radtke says. “It was something that I think he probably enjoyed the most – seeing so many new people come into a sport and activity that he was passionate about.” Superior Service arker’s Island Marina continues to pride itself on handling the needs and desires of both new and veteran boaters alike. It is a complete boating center with 420 all-weather slips that provides sum- mer docking and also allows owners to leave their boats over the winter for ser- vicing and storage. “We know that our staff and service capability has differentiated Barker’s Island Marina from other marinas and helped us to attract customers to Superior,” Radtke says. And the Ericksons can attest to that. As the type of boaters who prefer to travel all over the lake, Erickson said that there wouldn’t be any reason for the couple to specifically come over to Superior if it weren’t for the marina and the quality of its staff. And they aren’t the only ones who go out of their way to take advantage of the top-notch service provided at Barker’s Island Marina. “People are bringing their boats down from Canada to have them B the superior business magazine 41 ]]> <![CDATA[Top: An employee services equipment for a boat owner. Marina staff members have a widespread reputation for excellence. Center: The marina is a complete boat- ing center wth 420 all-weather slips that provides summer docking and also allows owners to leave their boats over the winter for service and storage. Bottom: Employees provide service for crafts ranging from small, 17-foot run- abouts to 60-foot sail and motor yachts and everything in between. serviced here,” Erickson says. “People bring their boats over from Bayfield to have them serviced here because of the quality of these guys and the work they do. And they’re just a great group of people.” According to Eric Thomas, service manager of Barker’s Island Marina and vice president of Sailboats, Inc., clients come from all over “because they know we can take what is a really unique prod- uct – their own personal boat – and care for it, repair it, accessorize it, or maintain it to an exceedingly high level.” “I know a lot of people come from out of town. I think it’s definitely a plus for Superior.” – Owner Dina Conner, Eddie’s World Famous Ribs The type of boats handled at the ma- rina range from small 17-foot runabouts you’d spot on many of the inland lakes in Wisconsin to 60-foot sail and motor yachts and everything in between. And the types of services handled are just as diverse, spanning from routine mainte- nance to complete refits and refurbish- ments. “We service boats for those who are simply going out on Lake Superior for the day as well as for those who are cross- ing oceans,” Radtke says. This customized work helps boat owners have fun with projects and re- alize the dreams they’re envisioning. Thomas says it’s not uncommon for cli- ents to come in with magazine photos of 42 P.S. june.july 2013 ]]> <![CDATA[boats in hand, wondering if they could do something similar to their own prized possession. “And we say, ‘Yes we can,’” he explains. It’s this can-do attitude and ability to customize that draws customers in and keeps them coming back. He and many of the other staff mem- bers have gotten into this line of business because they have a passion for boats, boating and all things Lake Superior, and Radtke points to the accomplishments of Thomas as a concrete example. “Up here people like to joke about how kids grow up skating before they learn to walk be- cause hockey is such a big deal,” he says, “but Eric probably was sailing before he was walking, because his family has been sailing ever since he was a young child and before.” Thomas has sailed all the Great Lakes off-shore events, many of them single- handed, and in 2008, he even took home first place using his Olson 30 in the Single Handed Transpacific Race, a semiannual event that runs all the way from San Fran- cisco to Hawaii. “That kind of skill and experience on the water is just invaluable to our customers,” Radtke says, “because they know that we know.” In Radtke’s view, the work he and his crew handle is simply an extension of the area’s long and storied history. “We’re kind of a continuation of a proud tradition of a working waterfront here in Superior that has been that way for over 100-plus years, going back to the days of the shipyards that were all up and down the waterfront,” he says. “Boat building and ship building have always been a part of the Twin Ports industry.” Year-Round Endeavor ne common misconception about the marina is that it’s a seasonal in- dustry that only offers boat dockage dur- ing the warm months. In reality, Barker’s Island Marina is a year-round establish- ment that employs about 25 people dur- O “They know we can take what is a really unique product – their own personal boat – and care for it, repair it, accessorize it, or maintain it to an exceedingly high level.” – Service Manager Eric Thomas, Barker’s Island Marina In 2005, Barker’s Island Marina added a 24,000-square-foot indoor heated storage building, which provides storage for approximately 45 boats. The facility also allows employees to service boats throughout the winter, so they’re ready for use in the spring. the superior business magazine 43 ]]> <![CDATA[ing the summer and around 16 during the winter in addition to a number of subcontractors it hires out. “In 2005, working with the city of Superior, we added a 24,000-square-foot indoor heated boat storage building,” Radtke notes. “This greatly expanded our capabilities, providing indoor heat- ed storage for around 45 boats. This also allows us to service these boats through- out the winter months, so they’re ready for the boat owners’ use in the spring.” It’s this year-round aspect, accord- ing to Radtke, that has allowed Barker’s Island Marina to hold onto so many of its technicians and support staff over the years. “Our commitment to growing our service business has allowed us to pro- vide our skilled and valued staff with ca- reer opportunities and year-round em- ployment, with benefits, that wouldn’t be possible otherwise,” he says. In fact, a number of employees have been with the marina for decades. Radt- ke mentions the head mechanic as a case “A lot of times you’ll see unique applications for the marine industry, and that’s where those guys really shine.” – Operations Manager Bob DeSmedt, Interstate Batteries of the Twin Ports 44 P.S. june.july 2013 ]]> <![CDATA[“They generate quite a bit of business around here.” – Owner Thomas Penny, Tri-State Auto Electric in point. “Randy Lemmerman joined us in 1982 while a student in the automo- tive technology program at WITC [Wis- consin Indianhead Technical College] here in Superior,” he says. “Randy is regarded as one of the best marine me- chanics anywhere in the region.” For Bob DeSmedt, operations man- ager of Interstate Batteries of the Twin Ports, the continuity of staff makes a dif- ference. He’s been doing business with the marina for 15 years, but just as im- portant as that long-term relationship is the ongoing sense of rapport he has with the marina’s staff. “You’ve got the con- sistency of the same people that you’ve been dealing with before,” he says. “Joe’s been there, Eric’s been there, Scott’s been there and they just seem to continue to add on quality people, which makes them a customer for us that we want to do business with.” In addition to selling batteries to the marina, DeSmedt’s business provides re- cycling solutions, checks connections in boats and makes sure everything is brought up to Coast Guard specifications when any modifications are made to a system. DeSmedt notes that he also appre- ciates working with the marina staff be- cause it offers opportunities to continue to learn. “A lot of times they will actually teach us and do things that we haven’t seen out in the marketplace yet, because they’re that close to the cutting edge of a lot of interesting stuff going on,” he says. “A lot of times you’ll see real unique ap- plications for the marine industry, and that’s where those guys really shine. The experience that the crew has down there turns that business into a big asset for us in Superior.” Thomas Penney, owner of Tri-State Auto Electric, has also maintained a lasting relationship with Barker’s Island Marina. He and his business have been providing starter and alternator repair services to the marina for roughly 25 years now. “They generate quite a bit of business around here,” Penney notes, explaining that it includes not only the work he receives from the marina and its customers, but also the ripple effect it has on the entire Superior business community. Dina Conner, owner of Eddie’s World Famous Ribs, agrees. “I know a lot of people come from out of town,” she says. “I think it’s definitely a plus for Superior.” Conner knows better than most that the many sights and sounds of the lake and its surrounding areas are never best enjoyed on an empty stom- ach, and she enjoys the chance to inter- act with the seasonal residents who fre- quent her ’50s themed restaurant once boating season gets under way. Home Away From Home or Radtke, it’s the very start of boat- ing season that has a special feel to it. “It’s kind of a homecoming in the spring when people are coming back and you F METRO credit union An affiliate of Hermantown Federal Credit Union Making Life A Little Easier Savings, Checking and Simply Lending. 25 Belknap St. • Superior, WI (715) 392-0300 www.hermantownfcu.com the superior business magazine 45 ]]> <![CDATA[“It’s a good injection into the economy around here. That’s what I see.” – Owner Alan Jaques, Belknap Liquor & Lounge haven’t seen them all winter,” he says. “We get to share in that excitement.” He says one important aspect is how the residents and customers use Barker’s Island Marina. Since many of the boats have accommodations for living aboard for weekends or longer at a time, people often use them as their home base on the lake. “It is their summer home on the water and the marina is their home port,” Radtke says. “And they’re here week after week all season long. It is like adding another neighborhood to Supe- rior from spring through fall.” One Hundred and Twenty-One... but who’s counting! Serving the legal needs of individuals, businesses and nonprofits since 1892. T orvinen , J ones , K irk & R outh , S.C. Attorneys Providing Superior Legal Services Since 1892 823 Belknap Street, Suite 222 • Superior, WI 54880 715-394-7751 • 1-800-486-9887 www.superiorlawoffices.com 46 P.S. june.july 2013 ]]> <![CDATA[“I call it the spirit of the lake. I mean once it touches you, you’re done. You want to be on it.” – Sue Erickson, marina customer Alan Jaques, owner of Belknap Li- quor & Lounge, has noticed his business pick up during boating season as a result of this added neighborhood of sorts, and he is confident that other shops, restau- rants and retailers benefit as well. “It’s a good injection into the economy around here,” he says. “That’s what I see.” He has also heard from his cus- tomers that they relish their time in the area regardless of weather conditions or other circumstances that might prevent them from getting out into the heart of the lake on any given day. “It can be cold and rainy out, and they’ll spend a week- end on their boat hunkering down with a good bottle of wine and a book,” Jaques says. “They enjoy going down to Barker’s Island and sitting on their boat.” It’s this desire to be on the lake in one form or another that has kept Sue and Jeff Erickson, and so many others like them, coming back for more year after year. “I call it the spirit of the lake,” Erickson says. “I mean once it touches you, you’re done. You want to be on it.” Paul Nicolaus is a freelance writer and editor. You can visit him at www.nicolauswriting.com. the superior business magazine 47 ]]> <![CDATA[witc Youngsters Discover Something New with WITC’s College for Kids W By Jena Vogtman hile the usual college students are on a well- deserved break for the summer, Wisconsin Broadcast News/Meteorology Camp and inviting kids into their Indianhead Technical College swaps nurs- studio in Duluth’s Canal Park.” ing courses for “Grossology-Exploration of Meteorologist Adam Clark of the Northland’s NewsCenter the Human Body” and welding with “Lego will be one of the camp instructors. Robotics.” WITC-Superior’s College for Kids summer camps “I have a passion for teaching and education, and I look for- have a wide array of fun, new experiences for preschool-aged ward to sharing some of what I know about the ever-changing at- kids to teenagers. mospheric sciences,” Clark said, adding that kids are often excited Anne Carlson, whose young daughter is already signed up to learn about hurricanes, tornadoes, thunder and lightning. for camp this summer, says her daughter had a blast in the pro- For the youngest of campers (those just getting out of the gram last year. toddling stage), there’s Zoo Train with Kindermusik and danc- “She often would come home and continue on with activities ing. For that camp, Lake Superior Zoo animals visit campus in they did in class. She even took some of her projects to school this the Zoomobile. There’s also a Prince and Princess Camp that year for show-and-tell,” said Carlson. “The camp gave my daughter an opportunity to play with other kids her age – something that can be hard outside of school. She also got the opportunity to be very creative. In the class she attended, she got to create her own superhero and complete fun craft – Anne Carlson, parent of a young summer camp student projects for her superhero.” “There are nature-based camps, arts- based with dance and music, and STEM-based camps [science, includes song, dance, role-play and a special themed tea party. technology, engineering and math], so there is something for Because parents are typically just as busy in the summer everybody,” said Leslie Larsen, associate dean of continuing as they are the rest of the year, the College for Kids program education. “We don’t just have one type of camp, but offer a provides an early drop-off hour where kids can come to campus diverse range of experiences and themes.” ahead of their scheduled camp. Early drop-off runs from 8 to 9 Some of the most popular summer camps include Lego a.m. and costs $20 per week of camp. There is also a supervised Robotics, Bake Boss, Babysitting Boot Camp and Amazing lunch hour available for students whose camps are on the WITC Race, which serve to fill a niche in the community and high- campus from noon to 1 p.m. for $20 per week. Bag lunches are light potential future career interests. provided; however, campers may also bring their own lunch. “We have an excellent on-staff baker for Bake Boss, which “The College for Kids camp my daughter attended was fin- was full last year. It’s great to have a culinary arts professional ished by noon, so it fit perfectly into our schedule. We had the teach this camp,” Larsen said. “Amazing Race is offered two whole afternoon for other activities,” said Carlson. “It’s also rea- separate weeks and is an international adventure. The multilin- sonably priced.” gual instructor is excellent with teaching kids about food and While a traditional college class may be different from the culture. The two weeks are different, so kids can go to both and crafts, baking, robots and games involved in summer camps, get a different experience.” the experience at WITC allows students to become familiar New programs have also been added to the rundown of with the college setting and create positive memories on cam- options, including Rescue Heroes and Broadcast News/Meteo- pus – where some of them may eventually earn degrees or take rology Camp. other continuing education classes later in life. “Rescue Heroes is also part of a partnership with Superior For more information, call (800) 243-9482 or go Fire and EMT staff, and kids will get to go to the fire station online at witc.edu. to get a rare tour and spray a fire hose,” Larsen said. “It’s also Jena Vogtman is the marketing and public relations associate at great that KBJR 6 and KDLH 3 are partnering with us for the WITC’s Superior campus. She often would come home and continue on with activities they did in class. She even took some of her projects to school this year for show-and-tell.” 48 P.S. june.july 2013 ]]> <![CDATA[]]> <![CDATA[50 P.S. june.july 2013 ]]> <![CDATA[Small Business, Big Vision TW Wood Designs Has Found Its Customer Niche By Focusing on Creative Designs and Hand-Crafted Quality By Tony Bennett T Co-owners Thad Whitesel, left, and Thom Wheeler. he decision to go off on your own and start a business is not an easy one, but for some, it’s the right one. The freedom that being one’s own boss can bring might be worth the risk, especially when you’ve got a vision and a healthy amount of pas- sion for your craft. Thad Whitesel and Thom Wheeler made the jump to owning their own business fairly recently, spending the last few years getting their Superior-based custom woodworking studio, TW Wood Designs, up and running. As you might guess, the “TW” in the name stands for the shared initials of their names, but they also have in common a great desire to run a business that lets them do the work that makes them happiest. So far, their gamble has paid off. For both, it’s the culmination of a lot of determination and a lot of experience. Whitesel says that he ended up in Superior almost by happenstance after working and going to school in Atlanta, Tenn., and Bloomington, Minn. “It just so happened that I was up here on a weekend, trying to get out of the hot weather down there [in the Twin Cities], and there was a job opening with a local construction company doing some cabinetry work,” Whitesel said. He applied for and got the gig and worked there for about 10 years. It was about five years ago that he and his coworker and future partner, Thom Wheeler, started talking about branching off into something new. “We decided we wanted to go off and do higher-end furniture, the stuff that requires a little more creativity,” said Whitesel. “I just so happened to have a really good friend that owns this building [in Superior] and we hung our shingle two years ago.” Wheeler isn’t a Superior native, either (although he did grow up in Wausau), but his love of woodworking is what led him here as well. In the mid-1970s, while he was attending college in Madison, Wheeler and a pal started a woodworking business together. He lost the partner, but kept the business “up until about seven years ago, when I moved up here,” Wheeler noted. His wife got a job at the University of Minnesota Duluth, he started working with Whitesel – and the rest is TW Wood Designs history. the superior business magazine 51 ]]> <![CDATA[For both of them, the business they’re running is the natural continu- ation of their respective life paths. “I’ve been doing woodworking since high school,” said Whitesel, “and really, I’ve done nothing else for a living other than woodworking.” “I was never one to spend my days in an office setting,” Wheeler said. “It’s hard to make a fortune in woodwork- ing, but that was never my objective. Over time, I’ve met a lot of great, artistic people and it’s given me the opportunity to do good things.” “It seemed to be almost off the cuff, like, hey – let’s set up a shop. Thad had a bunch of equipment, I had a garage full. So we pretty much had all the equipment we needed.” – Co-owner Thom Wheeler, TW Wood Designs The partnership he’s formed with Whitesel serves as perhaps the prime ex- ample of what Wheeler’s talking about. “We seemed to have the same sort of artistic look at things, a design sense,” Wheeler said. “It seemed to be almost off the cuff, like, hey – let’s set up a shop. Thad had a bunch of equipment, I had a garage full. So we pretty much had all the equipment we needed.” The trick at that point was figuring out if people would support a nascent custom woodworking shop, especially in the time period after the construc- tion business was seeing darker days. But Whitesel was confident that he had the connections to get them up on their feet. “It was kind of funny,” he said. “Even though I had moved here in 2001 and didn’t know anybody, I became active with the Chamber of Commerce and Habitat for Humanity and with local food drives, so I’d met a lot of people.” 52 P.S. june.july 2013 ]]> <![CDATA[“I remember people were coming up at our open house and saying, ‘You guys are pretty gutsy to be starting this thing up in the middle of a recession.’” – Co-owner Thad Whitesel, TW Wood Designs Whitesel and Wheeler pretty much told everyone they knew about what they were doing. And before long, they were hosting their business’s open house. It all transpired so quickly that the duo was slightly surprised by how fast the busi- ness got off its feet. “It happened pretty quickly,” Whitesel says. “I remember people were coming up at our open house and saying, ‘You guys are pretty gutsy to be starting this thing up in the middle of a recession.’ Thom and I looked at each other and said, ‘Well, we never thought about that. This is what we do. Neither one of us has done anything else.’” This single-mindedness may be a factor in their success. Both Whitesel and Wheeler repeatedly will character- ize their own lives in woodworking as something approaching obsession. For these two, it’s not just a job. It’s their source of income, sure – but it’s some- thing that lets them pursue their artistic interests as well. “Most of the jobs I had before, you were just doing what you were told to do,” Whitesel said, slipping into the character of a stuffy boss-type to illus- trate his point: ‘Here’s a blueprint. Build this. Let us know when it’s done.’ The sit- uation that Tom and I have now is that the customer walks in the door and a lot of times they have no idea what they’re looking for. They just have a need. We work with them until we walk out the door of their house, when it’s all done. So it gives you a lot more creativity. It’s totally hands-on and it’s just the two of us, so it’s not too passed-around, like in a larger company.” “We both have the same feeling that we don’t want to go in the direction of having a lot of employees,” said Wheeler. “I think we want to do quality work and build locally. We’re finding our niche.” Part of that niche is working closely with other local Superior businesses in numerous ways. TW Wood Designs is not just building or repairing things for people. They’re also collaborating with their neighbors, pooling their resources to produce a product that neither could make on their own. “We’ve got a design for this chair we came up with,” Wheeler explained, “and Phil (Gemuenden) over at IDS Waterjet jumped right on board” to help them work it out on his computer. “Boom – we had a prototype,” said Wheeler. That chair – the Longneck Lounger (which is also available as a bench and a companion side table) – is a unique piece that is ideally suited for brewpubs and taverns, according to the two TW’s. It incorporates longneck bottles into the design and the bottoms of the bottles ac- tually serve to make a textured pattern on the seat and back of the chairs. It’s a Anderson & Hammack Construction Company the superior business magazine 53 ]]> <![CDATA[“We’ve had them do case work, trim work, cus- tom cabinetry installation and manufacturing and revitalization of existing trim. They take the entire house into consideration. They can make the new look classic.” – Ryan Ostrofsky, Rymel Construction 54 P.S. june.july 2013 wild design, but the duo says it’s “sur- prisingly comfortable” to sit on. And the look is striking. Another local establishment that TW Wood partners with is Rymel Con- struction. Whitesel and Wheeler have only known owner Ryan Ostrofsky for a few years now, but the two businesses are coming to rely on each other, talking to each other several times a week for various reasons. “We’ve had them do case work, trim work, custom cabinetry installation and manufacturing and revitalization of ex- isting trim,” said Ostrofsky, who says he works with TW Wood Designs for their “expertise” and “originality.” “I think they’re able to take an older home and utilize new technology in re- vitalizing it,” Ostrofsky says of the work he’s seen Whitesel and Wheeler do. “They take the entire house into con- sideration. They can make the new look classic.” And customers agree. “They abso- lutely love it,” says Ostrofsky of his cus- tomers’ opinions of TW Wood Designs’ work. “They’re always satisfied.” Interestingly, Ostrofsky also said that Thad Whitesel has been “instru- mental” in getting him to be more mindful of his own role in the Superior community. “He uses almost everything local, as much as he can,” he explained. “He’s very tied in with the local commu- nity and it’s made me more involved.” Habitat for Humanity is one name in particular that Ostrofsky mentioned ]]> <![CDATA[as an example of community support. Daryl K. Yankee is executive director of Habitat for Humanity’s Western Lake Superior branch, and he says that TW Wood Designs has been instrumental in helping them achieve their goals. “We met Thad back in 2009, and he immediately offered to help connect us with the community in Superior,” Yan- kee said. “He consulted with us on home repair projects, made connections with contractors and vendors and put time in on the job site. Before we had a shop of our own, Tom and Thad let us use their facilities to prebuild access ramps for homeowners with disabilities. Now that we’re neighbors, they have been more than generous with their time and tal- ents – building cabinets for our most re- cent home remodel and constructing a custom cash-wrap for our new ReStore out of donated and salvaged materials. “We rely on local volunteers and donations to fund our mission to end poverty housing. Our home ownership and repair programs create economic opportunities for the less fortunate,” said Yankee. “The stability that safe, “Our partnership with TW Wood Designs has been a key piece in our decision to open a store featuring reclaimed and repurposed building materials.” – Executive Director Daryl Yankee, Habitat for Humanity-Western Lake Superior Branch the superior business magazine 55 ]]> <![CDATA[decent shelter provides leads to more in- vestment in the community and health- ier neighborhoods. And better housing means better customers. Our donors appreciate the contribution TW Wood Designs makes, and they show it by sup- porting them as well.” Yankee also noted that the folks he works with have benefited from their in- teractions with TW Wood Designs. “We have a very small staff, but a large and eager volunteer base,” he explained. “The majority of our volunteers are looking to learn new skills. Having Thad and Tom share their expertise and knowledge helps everyone have a great experience and produces a quality product.” The relationship between the two collaborators has even led to a new busi- ness taking root. “Our partnership with TW Wood Designs has been a key piece in our decision to open a store featuring reclaimed and repurposed building ma- terials,” Yankee said. “They have a great eye for the possibilities in an old piece of wood and will offer our customers a great resource for rebuilding and repair- ing unique items.” check out our new print savings Banking... never tasted so sweet! ! k a B n Happy program Locally owned for over 75 years! tri-state business systems 2829 banks ave. superior, wi 54880 local 715-392-6221 duluth 218-727-0302 fax 715-392-8996 1-800-999-6221 email tsbs@tri-statebusiness.com www.tri-statebusiness.com 56 P.S. june.july 2013 www.ss-bank.com FDIC Insured T ower A venue ~ W almart ~ B elknap S uper O ne During Tower Ave. construction, please use our Ogden Ave. entrance! ]]> <![CDATA[“They made the most beautiful cabinet in our house. It looks wonderful. Everything stores away nice and neat and it fits like a glove; it was exactly what I wanted.” – Tom Acton, RE/MAX 1 RE/MAX 1 real estate agent Tom Acton, a customer of the business, also has nothing but good to say of the work TW Wood is doing. “They made the most beautiful cabinet in our house,” Acton said. “Just a regular pine cabinet with some really cool sliding doors. It looks wonderful. Everything stores away nice and neat and it fits like a glove. It was exactly what I wanted. “My wife and I are very busy real estate agents and we sell a lot of homes,” Acton continued. “I know that when I have somebody [a client] who says, ‘I just don’t think I can make this kitchen work,’ TW Wood is going to do a good job of taking care of them.” A key focus of the work TW Wood Designs does is sustainability. Whitesel and Wheeler are happy to work in ways that smartly use reclaimed materials. And in ad- dition, the business partners with The Arbor Day Foundation; for every project TW Wood Designs completes, a tree is planted in one of our nation’s parks in honor of the customer. “We’ve done a lot of projects using the old Globe wood,” Wheeler noted as an example of this eye toward sustain- ability. Old-growth wood from the de- commissioned Globe Elevator (the grain elevator on Lake Superior’s waterfront in Superior) is a particularly desirable Eastern White Pine. “Some people say, ‘I don’t want to buy something that I know was made in China,’” said Wheeler. For Thom Wheeler, the risk he took in starting a new business with his friend is paying off. He’s able to be his own boss, to work at his own pace and to do the kind of work that inspires him endlessly. And no job is too large or too small for TW Wood Designs. “A woman just came in today,” said Wheeler. “We repaired a drawer for her. It was ten bucks. She was just thrilled. From that ten-dollar drawer, who knows? She might come back with a two-thousand-dollar project.” Thad Whitesel is likewise happy to be in the place he is. “I’m just pleased to get up every day and drive six blocks to do something that I love to do,” White- sel said. “As long as the community em- braces us like they have, we’ve got great people around us, and everybody else is doing good, I’m fine. I never got into this to make a million dollars. I just want to pay my bills and enjoy what I do for a living. And that’s what we’re doing.” Tony Bennett is a Twin Ports-based freelance writer. Great Space Available! Class A office space available - 400 to 3,500 sq. ft. Includes all utilities, common area inclusive. Reasonable rents based on size. 1225 Tower Avenue Superior, Wisconsin 715-392-2054 the superior business magazine 57 ]]> <![CDATA[Superior school district T he School District of Superior is proud to give our journalism students at Superior High School the opportunity to authentically practice the skill of composing an article for a published magazine. We believe in providing students with the relevant tools to develop a foundation for living, learning and working successfully. Writer BreeAnna Poshek and Copy Editor Andrew Kelley have demonstrated they are ready for this challenge, and I am so pleased to be able to provide it for them! Their advisor is Andy Wolfe, who teaches advanced placement literature and composition, creative writing, communication and is also the school newspaper advisor. - Janna Stevens, District Administrator Students Can Learn and Enrich Their Lives During Summer Vacation S By BreeAnna Poshek ome of the most important learn- ing experiences happen outside the four walls of a traditional classroom that contains tests, homework and teachers. And some of the best “classrooms” for teens in Superior can be dorms, camp- grounds, a gym, a stage or a horse pen. These unique environments give kids the opportu- nity to grow and enrich their lives during summer vacation. Upward Bound This program is designed to help low- income students and future first-genera- 58 P.S. june.july 2013 tion college students be successful in high school and in their college enrollment. “The summer program offers op- portunities for gaining confidence and independence,” Program Director Angie Hugdahl said. The participants meet every Thurs- day for tutoring and once a month for community events. During the summer they take class- es, go camping and take a vacation. For the duration of the summer component they stay at the University of Wisconsin- Superior dorms. Interested? Contact Hugdahl at (218) 260-3181. Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts pro- grams are intended to create a positive environment for personal growth. “Boy Scouts helped me learn how to be a role model,” said junior Ben Nor- bie. “I learned to lead without expecting anything in return or any recognition.” The program teaches teens to be responsible citizens. Scouts also learn personal fitness and responsibility. In- terested? Contact the Boy Scouts of America-Voyageurs Area Council at (218) 729-5811 for more info on your local troop. ]]> <![CDATA[Bigger Faster Stronger BFS is a program at Superior High School for off-season athletes to train. Anyone interested in increasing their physical fitness can also join. Partici- pants improve their strength through weight lifting and running. They mea- sure their skills in the beginning and work towards beating those scores. Some of the most important learning experiences happen outside the four walls of a traditional class- room that contains tests, homework and teachers. “Bigger Faster Stronger has taught me to be a better athlete and to push my- self,” sophomore Britta Bergstrom said. The program is available to students in seventh grade through twelfth grade. Interested? Contact Bob DeMeyer (715) 394-8760, extension 134, or Jason Kalin, extension 170. UWS Theater Camp The theater program is designed to teach aspiring young actors and actresses. Aside from acting, participants learn about lighting, set design and makeup. “My goal is that students will learn more about theater and are able to take that knowledge and become leaders back in their own school communities,” said Program Di- rector Cathy Fank. Participants also stage a final perfor- mance at UW-Superior for their families and friends. The camp dates and time for this year are June 17-28. The program can accommodate 26 students at $150 each. In- terested? Contact Fank at (715) 394-8388. 4-H Senior Katie Grymala was involved in the Horse Project, a branch of 4-H. Gry- mala has been treasurer, secretary and vice president of the Horse Project. Members do a variety of community events such as sew- ing dresses to send to Africa and sending presents to a family in Lake Nebagamon for Christmas. “My favorite part of 4-H is doing the fair and being in state competitions for showing my horses and participating in things like barrel races,” Grymala said. Participants also help clean up the barns and fundraise for the fair. The program is available to ages ranging from 5 to freshmen in college. Interested? For more information go to http://douglas. uwex.edu/4h/4-h-clubs/ In addition to expanding their academ- ic knowledge, students in these programs are enriching their physical and emotional growth during their summer vacations. Af- ter a rewarding social experience at a camp or on a stage, they can start the new school year with their heads held high. BreeAnna Poshek is a tenth-grade student at Superior High School. ABOVE: The University of Wisconsin- Superior’s Upward Bound director, Angie Hugdahl (left), assists a student at Up- ward Bound in UW-Superior’s multi-cul- tural room. LEFT: Life Scout junior Ben Norby (left) teaches seventh grader First Class Scout Jonathan Chicka about the Scout Book at Christ Lutheran Church. the superior business magazine 59 ]]> <![CDATA[douglas county Douglas County is Proud to be a Partner D By Andy Lisak ouglas County is proud to be a full-fledged partner in Positively Superior. County staff, administration, board members and residents have admired this first- class publication since its initial issue in December 2011. Over the past year-and-a-half, the charter members of Positively Superior’s editorial board have encouraged Douglas County to con- tribute both advertising and editorial content to the magazine. It was just a matter of time before Douglas County would join on an equal basis with the city of Superior, The Chamber, the Superior Business Improvement District, the University of Wisconsin-Superior, Wis- consin Indianhead Technical College, The Development Association and the Superior School District in this endeavor to highlight the many positive attributes of Superior and Douglas County. Partnerships are so very important up here in Northwest Wis- consin. Positively Superior has done an excellent job of highlighting the benefits we reap when people and organizations come together in a spirit of partnership to move our community forward. Likewise, Superior/Douglas County was founded by a group of partners and since the county’s incorporation in 1854, we continue to enhance ex- isting partnerships and seek to form additional partnerships within and outside of the county. “Working together to get things done” is a credo embraced by Douglas County. A prime example of partnership is the co-location of Douglas County and City of Superior government offices in the Government Center. Other occupants of the Government Center include the Wisconsin Public Defender’s Office and the Wisconsin Probation and Parole Office. Completed in 2003, the Government Center lo- cation has helped to strengthen the cooperation between county and city government. As is true with partnerships, building structures also need to be maintained. That is why you will see crews working this spring and summer on re-caulking the seams of the building’s concrete panels. Although it seems like yesterday when the first oc- cupants moved in, the building is more than 10 years old and main- tenance steps need to be taken to ensure it continues to serve our 60 P.S. june.july 2013 needs far into the future. New and improved lighting will also be added to the Government Center entrance and parking lot. A new county building will be under construction this summer in the Village of Solon Springs. The Forestry Department will be re- placing its circa 1930 garage with an expanded and more functional facility. The construction will not interfere with the department’s work of managing a large number of timber sales and maintain- ing more than 280,000 acres of public forestland, 100 miles of ATV trails, five day-use parks and three campgrounds. Forestry crews will also ensure that the show will go on at Lucius Woods for the Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center (LWPAC) concert series. LWPAC is another example of the fruits of partnership. A recent illustration of “working together to get the job done” involved the Douglas County Highway Department and the Town of Summit. When County Highway A south of Tri Lakes Road flooded due to spring thaw, the Summit Volunteer Fire Department lent a hand in pumping water to clear the road. Although usually limited to serving the rural part of Douglas County, our Highway Department crews have been known to work on projects within the city of Superior. Last year county crews, work- ing side-by-side with city of Superior employees, assisted in prevent- ing the flooding of East 2nd Street (U.S Highway 2) near the Nem- adji River during the June 2012 storm event. Highway Department trucks and crews also assisted city of Superior Public Works Depart- ment employees in removing flood debris from the streets and alleys of Superior. Hopefully, with no more snow in the forecast and no major rain events, Highway Department crews can focus on road patching, sign maintenance and brushing the more than 330 miles of county roads and 400 lane miles of state highways for which the department is responsible. A major project this summer will be the pulverizing and paving of 6.2 miles of County Highway F between U.S. Highway 2 and County Highway B. Please keep a lookout for highway crews as you travel throughout the county and if you get the chance, please thank them for a job well done. ]]> <![CDATA[The June 2012 storm event also allowed Douglas County Emergency Management to show off its talents and preparedness. Emergency Management staff worked closely with towns and municipalities throughout the county, during the storm to coor- dinate disaster response efforts and in its aftermath, to document damage and help secure federal and state disaster relief. Both the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency praised Douglas County Emer- gency Management for the timeliness and high quality of its disas- ter damage report and the overall professionalism of county, town and municipal representatives. The Douglas County Land and Water Conservation Depart- ment also rendered assistance to homeowners and businesses in the City and Town of Superior who experienced severe damage due to erosion caused by the June 2012 storm. On another note, the department was recently recog- nized by the St. Louis River Al- liance for the outstanding job it did managing the Hog Island Area Restoration Project in the city of Superior. The Alliance awarded the department the Willard Munger, Sr. Government Agency Award. This spring and summer, the Land and Water Conservation Department will be engaged in two very important projects. The Piping Plover nesting project near Shafer Beach on Wisconsin Point is a joint effort with the City of Superior, St. Louis River Alliance, University of Wisconsin-Superior Lake Superior Research Institute, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to attract nesting Pip- ing Plovers, an endangered species, to Wisconsin Point. Visitors to the area will see a cable-grid system on the beach to deter gulls from using the beach. Volunteer plover monitors are being trained and will monitor Wisconsin Point for birds while actively educat- ing beach users about Piping Plover nesting habits and the need to keep dogs leashed. Later this year after the nesting season, work will be done involving the disking of dunes, burning the cutover area to stunt regrowth of trees and shrubs, removing excess driftwood from the beach, and depositing rock in patches along the beach, all with the aim of improving the site to attract Piping Plovers. The second project involves working with Douglas County farmers on implementing best livestock grazing practices. In addi- tion to promoting managed grazing’s potential for improving the ecological and productive condition of grazing lands and improv- ing the economic condition of farmers, the project will promote the positive impacts managed grazing has on the natural resources and social well-being of area communities through strengthening farm profitability and improving water quality and area fisheries. The project is a partnership between the Douglas County Land & Water Conservation Department, University of Wisconsin-Extension, the Agriculture and Energy Research Center Inc. and the U.S. Depart- ment of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. The recently formed Douglas County Land Information Office is putting the finishing touches on the 2013 Douglas County Emer- Staff met with Wisconsin First Lady Tonette Walker to discuss the possibility of Douglas County becoming one of three pilot communities. gency Response Map Book. The book, an important component of fire management and suppression efforts, covers the rural portion of Douglas County and is a collaborative effort of the Land Infor- mation Office, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and volunteer fire departments within Douglas County. Also this year, the updated Douglas County Platt Book will be available. Members of the Douglas County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have participated in two community-wide, innovative and collaborative efforts. Staff members were involved in the community forums that assisted St. Mary’s Hospital-Superior in identifying an implementation strategy as part of the hospital’s community health needs assessment process. The strategy will focus on collaborative care for the management of depressive disorders. Recently, HHS staff, along with representatives from several other community-based organizations, met with Wisconsin First Lady Tonette Walker to discuss the possibility of Douglas County becom- ing one of three pilot communities as part of the Wisconsin Foster- ing Futures Trauma-Informed Collaborative. We have high hopes for both initiatives. As you can see, the approximately 300 employees of Douglas County have been very busy growing existing partnerships and es- tablishing new ones to serve the residents. We are honored to be a partner in Positively Superior, as we – along with this publication’s other partners – strive to create a positively superior community in which to live, work, recreate and invest. Andy Lisak is the Douglas County administrator. Douglas County… a SUPERIOR place to Live Work Recreate Invest For information on Douglas County government departments, services, meetings, and opportunities, log on to www.douglascountywi.org or contact Andy Lisak, Douglas County Administrator, (715-395-1335) the superior business magazine 61 ]]> <![CDATA[development association From left: Ye Chen, Nicole Olson and Roberta Mey- er research the steps to writing a business plan. UW-Superior Students Give Entrepreneurs a Helping Hand Through a New Start-Up Guide A By Amanda Palmer group of students at the University of Wisconsin-Su- perior has partnered with The Development Associa- tion, Inc. through Academic Service-Learning (AS-L) to create a comprehensive start-up guide for entrepre- neurs who are interested in starting their own business in Douglas County, Wis. AS-L’s mission is to “provide support and resources to match learning with community needs.” Through AS-L, instructors and students work together with nonprofit organizations in the com- munity to complete a project. Departments and classes either are assigned a project or select a project/partner they wish to pursue. The Development Association, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that assists with retention, expansion, creation and recruitment of businesses in Superior and Douglas County, Wis., which it has served 62 P.S. june.july 2013 for more than 50 years. The staff members describe themselves as “the bridge between businesses that would grow in our community and government entities that help facilitate that success.” Seeking the assistance of AS-L at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, The De- velopment Association, Inc. stressed the need for a start-up guide in our community, particularly in print form, although it is anticipated that an online version will be available as well. Its goal is to provide a guide that will show entrepreneurs the basics regarding the major steps involved in starting a business, as well as links to sources that will provide further information. Miguel Soler Salem and Audra Austin collaborate with their group members on the topic of licensing requirements. ]]> <![CDATA[Instructor Heather McGrew works up front while her students collaborate on their portions of the project. Senior Lecturer Heather McGrew of the UW-Superior Writing and Library Science Department decided to accept this particular project for the students in her business and profes- sional writing class. This is the first AS-L project with which she has had the pleasure of working. “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with my students on this valuable project. The opportunity has allowed them to learn and practice real-world writing, contribute to the com- munity and build some solid portfolio pieces to use when they are ready to go on the job market,” McGrew said. “One of the most satisfying aspects of this project for me has been seeing my students come together and collaborate as teams. They are building on each other’s strengths, finding their niche within the groups and stepping up as leaders. I couldn’t be more pleased with the effort my students have invested in this project; I feel privileged to be their instructor.” McGrew assigned her students to small groups (six groups of three to four people) to investigate a specific topic related to starting a business. They were to find information on such steps as acquiring permits, choosing a business name, choos- ing a business structure, etc. The students will then prepare a “Those of us at The Development Association are very grateful to Heather and her students for their dedication to this project. Their work will benefit start-up companies in Douglas County for many years.” – Executive Director Michelle Hostetler, The Development Association portion of the start-up guide about their particular topic, after which time common design and layout decisions will be made and materials compiled to create a cohesive, easy-to-read start- up guide available to entrepreneurs in the area as soon as this summer. Often there is a strong desire to start a new business or improve upon a current business; however, one does not know quite where to begin. Attempting to find all of the correct in- formation needed could take hours upon hours of research and can be very frustrating. This is where the start-up guide is help- ful. Being able to go to one place to find all information needed, including additional resources that may be required, saves time and provides a sense of ease to entrepreneurs in what might otherwise be a stressful situation. The students working on this project have learned so much. Stephanie Brown, a junior majoring in social work, enjoyed the collaboration of the group to which she was assigned. Her group was assigned to the “feasibility quiz” portion of the guide, which provides a series of questions for the potential business owner. By answering these questions, entrepreneurs will be able to decide if starting a business is something they wish to pursue, and if so, this is their starting point. Another student, junior Nick Petcoff, an accounting/fi- nancing major, did some of his research in the community. Sev- eral business owners were interviewed including Thirsty Pagan Brewing, Gronk’s Grill and Bar and Shannon’s Stained Glassery. After interviewing the owner of Thirsty Pagan Brewing, Petcoff had a much better understanding of what it takes to start a busi- ness and said that the owner “shared a lot of information.” He was also given a tour of the establishment. Students were as- signed these interviews both to help with their research and to obtain quotes from local business owners to be included in the start-up guide. Sophomore Carissa Skifstad, who had worked with AS-L in other classes, added that with this project “general knowledge is good to know.” Audra Austin, a junior and business major, believes that people are sometimes afraid or unsure about start- ing a business and this guide would be of much benefit. “This was a great experience and something I would use in my future plans,” she said. “Those of us at The Development Association are very grateful to Heather and her students for their dedication to this project,” said Executive Director Michelle Hostetler. “Their work will benefit start-up companies in Douglas County for many years. The UWS students and faculty are a tremendous asset to the community. Interfacing with them throughout the semester has been a pleasure.” For more information, or to obtain a start-up guide created by University of Wisconsin-Superior students in collaboration with The Development Association, Inc. through AS-L, please contact: The Development Association, Inc. 1401 Tower Avenue, Suite 302 Phone: (715) 392-4749 FAX: (715) 392-6131 www.developmentassociation.com Amanda Palmer holds a student writing position at the University of Wisconsin- Superior’s Distance Learning Center. the superior business magazine 63 ]]> <![CDATA[sound advice Local Entrepreneurs Create Regional Growth W By Shawn Wellnitz e envision a robust regional economy where entrepreneurs create thriving companies and vibrant communities. And the statistics prove we are on our way. Growth in proprietor’s employment (be- coming self-employed) far outpaced the growth in wage and sala- ry employment from 1970 to 2009 in our region. 1 Our work at the Entrepreneur Fund is aligned with a greater regional economic development strategy in which our role is to support the creation of jobs from within. Our support of local innovative companies and entrepreneurs is a key driver of economic growth. But what does that really mean to you? What, specifically, does the Entrepreneur Fund do? In simple terms, we have two principal offerings for our clientele: financing and professional development for entrepreneurs. Within these offerings, there are diverse products and services designed to appeal to entre- preneurs in a variety of stages and business life cycles. Small Business Financing xciting changes are percolating in our loan department! Not only do we have ambitious plans to double our loan portfolio in the next three years, we just launched a confidential online lending system though our website. This system will offer quick E 64 P.S. june.july 2013 turnaround, especially on loans under $15,000. Led by Michael Lattery, who was recently promoted to director of lending, this new online option will offer small business owners quick loans for minor leasehold improvements, technology purchases, new websites and/or e-commerce stores, signage, exterior improve- ments, working capital and more. Anyone interested can go to our website at entrepreneurfund.org, click on Finance and apply. Our loan products offer flexible capital for emerging and experienced entrepreneurs who are generally unable to access financing from conventional lenders or seek partners in a loan package with a bank or other economic development agencies. Our loans can meet the smallest of needs at $1,000 and span to $250,000 for large expansions or purchases. The flexibility we offer is truly a competitive advantage for the Entrepreneur Fund. We serve an important niche or gap in the commercial lending market. Traditional financial institutions often mitigate their risk by requiring strong credit, collateral, cash flow and operational his- tory; their shareholders are counting on them to make shrewd financial decisions. However, if you are a start-up or high-growth business in need of capital, traditional sources are often not an option for you. The Entrepreneur Fund is a community devel- opment finance institution (CDFI), which allows us greater ]]> <![CDATA[flexibility in our lending guidelines. We review the same criteria that a traditional lender looks at (credit, collateral and cash flow), but have more latitude to invest in individuals who can have an impact on our community and create jobs. “Many of the entrepreneurs looking for loans come to us with an interesting story,” said Lat- tery. “Once it is told and understood, it al- lows us to make a decision that benefits all. We truly have the opportunity to directly affect the overall economy of this region.” Professional Development for Entrepreneurs mployees in traditional jobs are of- ten given a “professional develop- ment plan.” In other words, the company is investing in the training and develop- ment of that employee. When you are an E feasibility has been established, we offer functional and operational resources as well as advisory support. Our stage one services are centered around the critical competencies for business management: sales and business development, finan- cial, legal, management, human resourc- es, marketing and technology. The stage two services focus more on strategic research to identify new markets, chan- nels for growth, business design, man- agement teams, systems and technology, strategic direction and leadership, hu- man resource strategy and more. According to research by Gallup, “the key difference between the likelihood of a small- to medium-sized business creating jobs lies in the individual ability of the en- trepreneur. The founding entrepreneur’s talents, motivations and attitudes are the most important factors for firm survival and growth. Over the long term, these factors may even eclipse the origi- nal business idea that launched the business”. 2 You’ve heard stories – a local business owner is struggling and sells the business to someone else who quadruples sales and opens multiple loca- tions. What was the difference? The dif- ference is behavioral – the talents, moti- vations and attitudes of the leaders. Our professional development focuses on both the core competencies and the behavioral aspects of the individual leaders. Since 1989, the Entrepreneur Fund has provided $14,000,000 in loans to 520 busi- nesses, helped more than 1,300 companies start, stabilize or expand and supported the creation or retention of 3,840 jobs. We work in partnership with many others in local and regional economic development. For more information, please visit entrepreneurfund. org or call (218) 623-5747. We envision a robust regional economy where entrepreneurs create thriving companies and vibrant communities. And the statistics prove we are on our way. entrepreneur or small business owner, you are responsible for your own profes- sional development plan and it can often be difficult to find training and devel- opment specific to entrepreneurs and/ or small business management. That is where we come in. We essentially segment our clients into three categories or phases: start-up, stage one and stage two. We have ser- vices, tools and resources designed for each phase; however, the lines are often blurry. Experienced entrepreneurs start new businesses or product lines and some high growth start-ups have a more refined strategy and skill set. We loosely define start-up as 0-24 months of operation, stage one as fewer than 8 employees and under $1 million in annual sales and stage two as 10 or more employees and sales of more than $1 million annually. Our start-up services provide emerging entrepreneurs with planning tools so they can perform market re- search and create a business plan. Once Shawn Wellnitz is chief executive officer of the Entrepreneur Fund, which serves an 11-county service area with offices in Superior, Duluth, Virginia and Grand Rapids. The Evolution of the Greenstone Group – building regional entrepreneur development capacity in Northeast Minnesota, Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, January 2012. A Profile of Socioeconomic Measures, Headwaters Economics, November 2011 2 Gallup http://www.gallup.com/strategicconsult- ing/156929/gallup-entrepreneur-acceleration-system.aspx-- %E2%80%94#program 1 the superior business magazine 65 ]]> <![CDATA[sound advice Looking for Talent in All the Right Places H By Allen Raffetto ave you ever hired someone who performed better in the interview than on the job? Did you ever figure out what you did wrong in the hiring pro- cess? And did you ever estimate what each wrong hiring decision costs your company? Let’s consider dollar costs. Some es- timates are that the process for a new hire costs $8,000 on average – and the higher the position is on the organization chart, the more that cost increases. However, more than money is involved. The intangible costs can run somewhere between huge and priceless. What’s included in those intan- gibles? Mistakes, morale and lost customers lead the list. If you can’t afford to make costly hir- ing mistakes and now you must hire an employee (or employees), how can you hire smarter? Although I don’t operate a staffing busi- ness, I have helped hire thousands of peo- ple nationwide, most of whom I never met face-to-face. I can’t afford a high error rate any more than the businesses that are look- ing for good talent. So I select tools and pro- cedures that will help me gain the greatest certainty and the lowest error risk in return for my professional expertise. When I assist in the whole process, my estimated “batting average” is just under 700. Have you estimat- ed a batting average for your hiring process? Taking the time to do so is well worth it, since it will save you time, money and frus- tration in your future hiring endeavors. Doing business is a process and the critical place to practice best processes is in hiring. In a way, finding good talent is like any manufacturing process. If you have the proper tools, trained tool users and a smart operational plan to reach your goal, your hiring process will produce a new hire you can then develop into a great employee. Instead of looking at tools and features, let’s begin with the end in mind. Exactly what is your hiring goal? To reach the desired destination, you need specific clarity about the position you think you’re aiming for. That clarity should come from a well-built position description. If you are using documents that read like a laundry list of duties ending with “and other duties as assigned,” you are not using a de- scription of the most important factors the Personal Lines Agents As an independent insurance agency, we offer you the advantage of relationships with dozens of insurance companies. And our personal lines agents will do the research to make sure you get the right policies at the right price – service you can always expect from the Holden Insurance Agency, your neighborhood agents! Audra Sharpe Auto 66 Homeowners P.S. june.july 2013 Katy Metcalfe Individual Life/Health Melissa Brown Employee Benefits Commercial CONTACT US: ]]> <![CDATA[You can find talented people by looking for great fits for your jobs. But your recruitment is only as good as its weakest part. successful candidate must bring to the game. Begin by getting internal agreement about the primary must-have qualities for doing the job well. With the goal now detailed in writ- ing, let’s move back to the operational steps. What’s your plan for finding that well-quali- fied individual? Even if you outsource it, hir- ing is still your responsibility and you should have your own operational plan. Here’s what I use: I insist on three overlapping search areas. Each area is accountable for no more than one-third of the hiring decision. Why? Because it helps keep the process legal and helps avoid “falling in love” with a candidate for all the wrong reasons. Enough said! The three search areas I incorporate into a hiring plan are history, compatibility and suitability. All three areas increase the likeli- hood of a successful hire. When suitability testing is added to this mix, the odds for hiring great talent increase most – approximately 25 percent. Why? Because suitability reveals the total fit between the position and the candi- date’s knowledge, skill and personality. That means you hire a salesperson who can sell, a customer service person who can serve, a leader who can lead and a producer who is actually productive. Too good to be true? Not at all! For example, I’ve consulted various businesses in the Twin Ports area and assessed quite a few employees. Out of curiosity, I identified a few dozen people who were recognized as highly productive workers in their diverse jobs. I took the data from their profile as- sessments, conducted through an 18-factor Profile Evaluation System (PES), and built a composite spreadsheet. The question: Would any of the factors show 80 percent of people’s scores clustering within three or four adjacent units on a standard nine-point scale? The short answer: The data showed eight of 18 factors met the 80 percent cri- terion and certain combinations provided additional developmental intelligence. Simply put, if the job requires signifi- cant productive behaviors, I now use the eight factors and their combinations to de- scribe how suitably a candidate fits the habits of attitude that drive productive behavior. So here’s my sound advice: You can find talented people by looking for great fits for your jobs. But your recruitment is only as good as its weakest part. Improve your re- cruitment process, starting with a clear goal of what the successful new hire must bring to the game. Then systematically gather your “intelligence” about the candidate’s history, compatibility and suitability. Most bad fits for newly hired employees are related to poor suitability – specifically, personality is- sues and poor work habits. Improve your hiring “luck” by using the strongest tools in every part of your search. Allen Raffetto, Ph.D., is the founder of The Raffetto Group, which works with businesses in the Midwest and Canada to increase business operation quality and results and to mine and develop the talents of personnel. the superior business magazine 67 ]]> <![CDATA[Featuring company accomplishments, new staff, promotions, philanthropy, awards, certifications, expansions and mergers. it’s yOur Business RJS Construction Group Five professionals have joined RJS Construction Group, one of the Upper Midwest’s largest full-service construc- tion companies. Angel Gotelaere is office manager, overseeing operations at the company’s Superior headquarters. She worked most recently for the Radisson Hotel Duluth/ Associated Hotel Group as senior sales manager. Robert McIntyre is a project man- ager for the Commercial Construction Division. He comes to the company with 30 years of experience across the country in construction project management, ar- chitectural design and business develop- ment. His work has included education- al, correctional, hospitality, commercial, retail and housing projects. He was most recently based in Cheyenne, Wyo. Angie Stahnke is a project coordina- tor in the Commercial Construction Di- vision. She brings 10 years of construc- tion coordination and office management experience, including on health care, 68 P.S. june.july 2013 hospitality, transporta- tion, office, restaurant and retail projects. Dustin Waldo is a project manager for the Highway/Heavy Construction Division. He previously worked gotelaere for five years as an es- timator and project manager for Knife River Corp., in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho. He also has extensive experience as a heavy equipment operator. Laura Willoughby is a project coor- dinator in the Commercial Construction Division. She comes to RJS with 12 years of construction management experience. She is certified in construction quality management for contractors by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Since 1956, RJS Construction Group has been building schools, restaurants, stores, office buildings, government cen- ters, roads and highways used by millions of people annually. We bring experience, mcintyre stahnke waldo willoughby quality, value and customer focus to each project. We build with integrity. For more information or to discuss a project, contact Pete Weidman, Presi- dent, RJS Construction Group at 715- 394-0128 or pweidman@rjscompanies. com, or go to rjscompanies.com. ]]> <![CDATA[Port Cities Luncheon A crowd of about 150 attended the 65th Annual Port Cities Luncheon on May 7 at the Greysolon Ball- room in Duluth, said 2013 Port Cities Lun- cheon Chair Bonnie Susan Bussa (left), Baker of Superior. last year’s winner, Several organi- with 2013 winner zations from Supe- Diane Kettelhut. rior are involved in this event, which also has a long history. It started as the Duluth Day Luncheon many years ago and evolved into the Port Cities Luncheon to include Superior. The Port Cit- ies Luncheon honors a Woman of the Year who shows exemplary volunteerism and also honors youth from high schools, in- cluding Superior High School. Dianne Kettelhut (nominated by Essen- tia Health Miller Dwan Auxiliary,Viewcrest Health Center and Franciscan Health Cen- ter) was named 2013 Port Cities Woman of the Year. Kettelhut managed the Miller Dwan Gift shop for 25 years and has been a member of the Essentia Health Miller Dwan Auxiliary since 1986. At the end of May, she began serving as president of that auxiliary. Other nominees were: Denise Bussa of Duluth, nominated by Junior League of Du- luth; Mamie Hughes of Duluth, nominated by Altrusa International Club of Duluth; Kathy Kadlecek of Superior, nominated by Douglas County Historical Society; Virginia Katz of Duluth, nominated by Friends of the National Bank of Commerce National Bank of Commerce (NBC), the area’s largest locally owned bank, has added to its staff with John Matthews as its vice president, retail lending director; Dean Bruss as e-services sales special- ist; and Bill LeNeau as senior mortgage banker. Matthews, with 24 years of experi- ence in the mortgage industry, was most recently New American Mortgage’s mar- ket leader in Minnesota and Wisconsin. His responsibilities with NBC include leading the mortgage team which con- sists of the service and support team as well as the underwriting and sales teams/mortgage bankers. Bruss, a UMD graduate, had a business development role for 10 years with Procter & Gamble before serving the past three years as senior territory manager for Allergan. At NBC Bruss promotes remote deposit capture, cash management, customer payment portal services, merchant credit card process- Duluth Public Library and Essentia Health St. Mary’s Auxiliary; Pat Koski of Cloquet, nominated by St. Luke’s Volunteer Service Guild; Nancy Odden of Duluth, nominated by Duluth Woman’s Club; Joan Peterson of Duluth, nominated by Domestic Abuse In- tervention Programs. Duluth News Tribune Editor Robin Washington was keynote speaker at the luncheon. matthews bruss ing, and both con- sumer and business credit cards. Prior to join- ing NBC, LeNeau was a mortgage consultant for 11 years at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in leneau Duluth, where he ranked in the top 10 percent within the entire corporation for customer satis- faction. The UMD graduate’s respon- sibilities with NBC include initiating residential mortgages for purchases and refinancing, identifying the best loan product to meet clients’ budgets. “Bill, Dean and John bring a diverse background in business experience to Na- tional Bank of Commerce,” said NBC CEO Steve Burgess. “Their experience both in- side and outside the banking industry are of great benefit to our customers.” National Bank of Commerce has two banks in Superior, and one each in Poplar, Solon Springs, Duluth and Hermantown. the superior business magazine 69 ]]> <![CDATA[it’s your business University of Wisconsin-Superior Carl Huber started in the position as Coordinator of the Veteran and Non- traditional Student Center, making him the first full-time coordinator for serving veterans and adult learners at the Univer- sity of Wisconsin-Superior. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebr. Previously, Huber worked at the Duluth Workforce Center and has lived in the Twin Ports area for 10 years with. UW-Superior transportation and logistics expert Dr. Richard Stewart has been named to the first Great Lakes Ad- visory Board of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Professor Stewart is chair of the Department of Business and Economics and director of the Trans- portation and Logistics Research Center program at UW-Superior. Stewart was appointed to a two-year term. “I’m significantly honored that I’m able to help out with this advisory board. The diverse representation that is on the board is very beneficial to making in- formed decisions on restoring the Great Lakes,” he said. Stewart is one of 18 people represent- ing a broad group of stakeholders named to the first Great Lakes Advisory Board, which will play a part in advising how the EPA spends $300 million in restoring the Great Lakes for future generations. Stew- art said the board has an important mis- sion to carry out and he has a special bond to the subject. “I was born in and spent most of my life in Great Lakes states. The Lakes are one of the most precious as- sets in the world,” he said. “Keeping these inland seas fresh and clean and environ- mentally healthy is critical to our nation’s overall health and the health of the eco- systems that surround the Great Lakes.” Among Stewart’s many accomplish- ments, he was a captain in the U.S. Na- val Reserve as a merchant mariner com- manded ocean-going ships and managed a $300 million fleet of tankers and bulk vessels trading worldwide. He believes in protecting the water for everyone. Stewart is co-director of the Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute (GLMRI), www.glmri.org, which was es- tablished in 2004 to pursue research ef- forts in marine transportation, logistics, economics, engineering, environmental planning and port management. The U.S. 70 P.S. june.july 2013 Maritime Administration designated it as a National Maritime Enhancement In- stitute on June 1, 2005. The Institute is a consortium of the UW-Superior’s Transportation and Logis- tics Research Center and the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Swenson College of Science and Engineering and Labovitz School of Business and Economics. The Transportation and Logistics Research Center at UW-Superior (TLRC) was created in 1999 under Stewart’s di- rection. The mission of the TLRC is to provide applied transportation and lo- gistics research, education, and advisory services that advance the economy of the region. Faculty, staff and students in the program contribute to the research ef- forts of the Transportation and Logistics Research Center. The Great Lakes Advisory Board will provide advice and recommenda- tions to the EPA Administrator, who serves as chair of the federal Interagency Task Force. EPA considered candidates from a broad range of interests includ- ing business, agriculture, foundations, huber stewart environmental justice groups, youth organizations, environmental groups, academia and state, local and tribal rep- resentatives. The Great Lakes provide more than 30 million Americans with drinking wa- ter and underpin a multi-billion dollar economy. In February 2009, President Obama proposed the Great Lakes Res- toration Initiative, the largest investment in the Great Lakes in two decades. GLRI funds are being used to accelerate clean- up work in the 29 remaining AOCs iden- tified by the U.S. and Canada under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. More information on the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: http:// www.glri.us. ]]> <![CDATA[Serenity Spa and Salon buller amotozio Owner Jolene Nelson is pleased to announce that Serenity Spa and Salon has just hired two new stylists. Autumn Buller, who is an independent stylist and spa technician, has been in the industry for more than six years. Nicole Amo- tozio, who has more than 18 years of ex- perience, specializes in color and razor cutting. Nelson and her staff are excited about the new talent they’ve brought into the salon and the additional traffic that they will bring in for both the salon and spa services. Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank had better than average re- sults this year raising $59,249 at the 20th Annual Empty Bowl event at the Depot in Duluth. The total raised since Empty Bowl’s start back in 1994 has now climbed to $817,230 and will put the to- tal number of meals provided by Second Harvest from Empty Bowl proceeds to just over four million. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the results,” said Shaye Moris, Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank’s executive director. “To think that since its start, Empty Bowl has put four mil- lion meals on the table of Northland residents in need is just amazing.” After all expenses are factored in, Sec- ond Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank will rescue and distribute enough food for 242,000 meals to its 120 Northeastern Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin nonprofit partners and approximately American Family Insurance Agent Nick Korhonen of Superior has been named an All American Agent by American Family Insurance Group. He joins a select group of agents who have distinguished themselves through outstanding sales and customer satisfac- tion/service of American Family insur- ance products. Korhonen has been an agent for American Family since April of 2012. His office is located at 902 Belknap St. in Superior. “The All American symbolizes Nick’s commitment to value,” said Larry VanDynHoven, American Fam- ily agency sales manager. “ He has a very strong insurance background and realizes his success rests on earning the trust and respect of his customers.” Based in Madi- son, Wis., American Family Insurance of- fers auto, homeown- ers, life, health, com- korhonen mercial and farm/ ranch insurance in 19 states. American Family ranks 393 on the Fortune 500 list and is the nation’s third-largest mutual property/casualty insurance company. Businesses may submit news of interest to Positively Superior readers in these categories: company accomplishments; new staff; promotions, grants received, philanthropy, awards, certifications, mergers, expansions, facility relocations and board member elections. These items may be edited and shortened for space considerations. Due to the lead time involved with publishing Positively Superior magazine, we regret that we are unable to include information about upcoming events, speakers or presentations. Photo submission requirements: 44,000 people in need due to Empty Bowl 2013. Second Harvest attributes its better than average results this year to a slight increase in community members and school children pre-purchasing bowls, an increase in the online auction and the Silent Auction. “Having our event in between snow storms didn’t hurt us either,” Moris said. “The weather was perfect for Empty Bowl and we certainly lucked out.” Ask Yourself - How Safe is Your Job Site? How do you deal with the known and even unknown subsurface infrastructure? Call the professionals at Stack Bros. Our crews are properly safety-trained and use the most up- to-date equipment available to minimize your risks. Specializing in: • Hydro Excavating • Industrial Vacuuming • Railroad Track Cleaning • Great Lakes Vacuum & Pipe Service - Sewer Cleaning - Lift Station Cleaning STACK BROS. Mechanical Contractors 2425 E. 24th St. • Superior, WI 54880 715-398-2964 • Fax 715-398-2967 Printed photos: All photos that have an identification label on the reverse side will be returned. We are unable to return unidentified photos. Digital photos: Only print-quality photos accepted. – Minimum size: 2” tall x 2.25” wide – Minimum resolution at that size: 300 dpi – Preferred files include: JPG, TIFF, PDF – We cannot accept photos from websites. – We cannot print photos that do not meet these minimum requirements. Although we prefer electronic content emailed to info@positivelysuperior.com, items may be mailed to: It’s Your Business, AdMax, 1518 E. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55812. Submisson deadlines for It’s Your Business Issue Info due Dec/Jan...............................................................Oct 15 Feb/Mar.............................................................. Dec 15 Apr/May..............................................................Feb 15 Jun/Jul.................................................................Apr 15 Aug/Sep.............................................................. Jun 15 Oct/Nov..............................................................Aug 15 the superior business magazine 71 ]]> <![CDATA[profile Johanna Kirk Torvinen, Jones, Kirk & Routh, S.C. G By Jennifer Derrick rowing up in dairy farm country in Lublin, Wis., Jo- hanna Kirk says there were basically two options for women who wanted to be professionals there: being a bank teller or a teacher. So when a female district at- torney came to speak to her class on career day, Kirk said it was tremendously eye-opening. From that day forward, she set her sights on becoming a lawyer. Kirk earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior in 2001. Her initial plan for her profession was to practice international law (she studied Russian and took two trips to Russia during high school and college). But, said Kirk, “Priorities changed.” She married her husband, Steve Kirk, in 1999 and the couple had their first son during her last semester of law school. They also lived on the East Coast during the first few years of Kirk’s attendance at law school and decided that it wasn’t where they wanted to be. Upon moving to Superior, Kirk finished her schooling via the weekend program at Hamline School of Law. In 2006, she graduated with academic honors with a Juris Doctor degree and was admitted to the Wisconsin Bar Association that same year. She had job interviews lined up in several Wisconsin cit- ies, including Oshkosh and Black River Falls. Then, through word of mouth, Kirk found out about a job opening in Superior at the law firm of Knudson, Gee & Torvinen, S.C. (as it was called then) and applied for it. Getting hired here, she said, was a “double bonus.” It was exciting to quickly land a job – and on top of that, in a loca- tion the Kirks wanted to call home. She joined the firm in April 2006 as an attorney and was named a sharehold- er in 2010. This twofold position, Kirk says, has taught her to effectively balance being a lawyer with being a smart busi- nessperson. “Eighty to 95 percent of what I do is plan ahead,” she explained. Taking the time to foresee client expectations and possible glitches enables Kirk to provide 72 P.S. june.july 2013 better service to clients. Very simply put, it’s the combination of “staying one step ahead” and of remembering that “we’re also run- ning a business,” she noted. In 2010, Kirk was named one of Wisconsin’s “Up and Coming” lawyers by the Wisconsin Law Journal. And it’s easy to see why. Kirk represents individuals, school districts, estates, charities and busi- nesses and has worked on a variety of issues, including employment discrimination, workers’ compensation, estate planning and real es- tate arguments. Kirk enjoys her profession, big and small cases alike, because she enjoys helping people. She also likes the fact that she doesn’t have to put in the 70- to 80-hour workweeks “expected” of lawyers in larger metro areas. Torvinen, Jones, Kirk & Routh, S.C. is a firm that believes in the value of a balanced work and family life. She has time for her family (the Kirks have two sons) and her hobbies: growing flowers and vegetables and hunt- ing bear, deer, birds and more. With her decision to become a lawyer, Kirk broke from her farming roots. However, she has held onto and cherished the values her parents instilled. “We were doers,” she said. Her parents volunteered in the community frequently and they had Johanna and her four brothers help, whether it was picking up the park, cleaning the church or staffing the hot dog stand. “It’s important for me to model that for my kids,” Kirk said. Her children help in the garden, hunting is often a family event, and when Kirk volunteers, she seeks service on boards and commit- tees through which she can really feel she’’s helping the community. She is very active in the Wisconsin State Bar and has assisted in numerous other capacities, including making pre- sentations at educational classroom events similar to the one that inspired her as a student. Kirk’s work and her ethic for “do- ing” is something Torvinen, Jones, Kirk & Routh, S.C. can be proud of. Jennifer Derrick is a Twin Ports-based freelance writer. ]]> <![CDATA[]]> <![CDATA[]]>
12. [PDF] blank page - Placer County Air Pollution Control District
California passed its own landmark climate change legislation, AB 32, in 2006, calling for a reduction in the state's greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels no ...
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