New High-Tech Economy Website

You might want to consider checking out a new website dedicated to providing business and technology leaders with timely, insightful, close-to-the-scene information about the local personalities, companies, and technological trends that best exemplify today’s high-tech economy.

Xconomy Wisconsin contains information on the exponential economy, the realm of business and innovation characterized by exponential technological growth and responsible for an increasing share of productivity and overall economic growth in the State of Wisconsin.

www.xconomy.com/wisconsin

Lone Eagles Holiday Party Next Wednesday, December 11th

Waunakee's Lone Eagle Initiative will be holding a holiday party next Wednesday, December 11th from 6:00 – 9:00 PM at Access Wisconsin (1113 Stephenson Lane in the Arboretum Office Park).  If you haven’t yet had a chance to visit this beautiful new space, this is a perfect opportunity.  President/CEO Mark Weller will be there to tell you a bit more about the space, and answer any questions you have.

Please plan to bring some of your favorite beer or wine and an appetizer to share.  Non-alcoholic beverages are also welcome.  The Village will be providing plates, napkins, utensils, and cups.  Please plan on bringing a serving utensil for your appetizer.  We’ll have some available in the event that you forget.  If your food item needs to be reheated, we will have access to an oven and microwave.

The party will also serve as a great opportunity to network and socialize with the new participants in our Initiative, and reconnect with those who you've met before.  Plan to bring business cards to facilitate this process.  This is an adults-only event.

If you have any questions, please contact Stephen Bechler at adminintern@vil.waunakee.wi.us or 850-2830.

First Choice Dental Waunakee Office Ribbon Cutting Set for December 4

First Choice Dental Group will mark the opening of its new Waunakee dental office, 1141 Simon Crestway with a ribbon cutting celebration on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at 4 PM. Waunakee business and community leaders and members, First Choice Dental partners and associates and members of the design team of Design Structures, LLC will be on hand to mark the occasion.

The new Waunakee office will open December 2, 2013. Dr. Nick Payne, Waunakee resident and First Choice Dental dentist says, “We are very excited about our new Waunakee office and look forward to providing high quality dental care and specialty services to the Waunakee community and surrounding areas.”  He adds, “We are extremely thankful for the warm welcome we have received from both the business community and community at large.”

The 9200 square foot clinic features the latest in state-of-the-art dental equipment and technology and offers services including family dentistry, orthodontics, endodontics, laser dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and oral cancer screenings.  Twenty employees work at the new office location.

A public open house event is scheduled for December 7, 2013 from 10 am to noon and will feature clinic tours, refreshments, free oral cancer screenings, photo booth, balloon sculptures, teddy bear dental clinic and more.

First Choice Dental was founded in 1996 and has ten locations throughout Dane County. The First Choice Dental Waunakee office building project was managed and designed by the team of Design Structures LLC and Potter Lawson.

For more information, visit www.firstchoicedental.com/Waunakee. The First Choice Dental Waunakee office is now accepting new patients.  Call (608) 849-5600 or visit online at www.firstchoicedental.com to schedule an appointment.

Hellenbrand Water Facility Addition

Congratulations to the Hellenbrand Water team for completing and moving in to their new facility addition. We are glad to see a local company doing well and growing. You can learn more about Hellenbrand Water's products and services at www.hellenbrand.com.

Department of Workforce Development Makes $2.7 Million in Wisconsin Fast Forward Grant Funds Available

On Wednesday, Governor Walker announced the first round of worker training grant funding opportunities made possible through the Wisconsin Fast Forward legislation he signed into law earlier this year.

Wisconsin Fast Forward makes up to $15 million available during the 2013-15 biennium to address the need for skilled workers with demand-driven workforce training.  The program encourages employers to develop customized, skilled and semi-skilled labor solutions supported by labor market information.

This initial round of Wisconsin Fast Forward Grant Program Announcements (GPAs) makes up to $2.7 million available for competitive worker training grants for the manufacturing, construction, and customer service sectors.

Applications for the first round of grants are due later this year. Employers can access the online application, along with instructions and additional details about each GPA, at WisconsinFastForward.com. DWD's Office of Skills Development (OSD) is administering the grant program and will be the point of contact for inquiries.

Moving forward, sector-focused grant program announcements will be released quarterly. Announcements will focus on a variety of industries and reflect input from inquiries made by employers as well as a technical advisory committee for the program.

Anyone can sign up through WisconsinFastForward.com for the program's newsletter. The newsletter will provide regular updates, including announcements of grant awards as well as future opportunities.

Lone Eagle Profile - Tom Beckman

Tom Beckman, a resident of Waunakee since 2006, established 28 Power Communications in 2013 as a full service PR and Communications agency that reflects his experience...his personality...his work ethic...his creativity...his passion.  28 Power Communications helps companies, products, brands and executives create lasting and impactful messages with key audiences.

Prior to opening his own agency, Tom led global communications teams at several GE businesses where he worked on some of the company’s biggest initiatives, including Electric Vehicles, Ecomagination, Digital X-Ray, Open Field MRI, Portable Ultrasound and 4D Ultrasound.  His work has appeared in major media outlets throughout the US and around the world, including the NY Times, GQ, Bloomberg News, Fox News, Wall Street Journal, the Today Show, and The Olympics and many other outlets.  He has worked in more than 20 countries, and has spoken with other businesses on how to implement global strategies on a local level.  His work on GE’s 4D Ultrasound campaign was recognized nationally by the New York Marketing Association in 2003.

He has extensive experience in the Healthcare, Energy and Water and Financial Services industries and spends a significant amount of time helping executives and companies work more effectively with the media.

You can learn more about 28 Power Communications and follow the company at:

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/28-power-communications?trk=ppro_cprof

Web: www.28powercommunications.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/28power

Lone Eagle Profile - Tricia Braun

With over 15 years of experience in three different states, Tricia Braun has developed an economic development approach that acknowledges that every project or community is unique and therefore requires a solid understanding of its strengths and complexities in order to create solutions that will be embraced and supported by decision-makers and stakeholders, all while having a positive long-term impact on the region.

Most recently, Tricia served as the Director of Economic Development of the City of Riverside, California, where she led a team responsible for bringing in thousands of new jobs, and coordinated the development and implementation of “Seizing Our Destiny”, Riverside’s strategic vision that focuses on a government-education-neighborhood-business collaborative approach to improving the quality of life in the city.
 
In May 2012, a family-related move from California to Wisconsin necessitated Tricia’s departure from the City of Riverside. While incredibly bittersweet, she used this opportunity to launch her own economic development consulting firm, The T. Braun Company (aka The Braun Company). During the past year, she has enjoyed working as a "Lone Eagle" on a variety of projects in California, Minnesota and Wisconsin - including a feasibility study for a potential coworking space currently being prepared for Waunakee.

Website: www.TheBraunCompany.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/triciabraun/ 
Twitter: @TBraunCo

Waunakee Coworking Space Feasibility Study Now Available

The Village of Waunakee’s Economic Development Strategic Vision Plan recognizes that although the precise number of independent professionals (Lone Eagles) in the community is unknown, this is an increasing source of job growth within quality residential communities and should be nurtured here in Waunakee. Since the adoption of this Plan in 2009, several efforts have been undertaken to increase engagement with and support for this segment of the Village’s workforce – from establishing a special section on the Village’s economic development website (www.waunakee-ed.com/loneeagles) and a LinkedIn page to hosting monthly networking and educational events.

The latest Lone Eagle initiative undertaken by the Village of Waunakee was to contract with economic development consulting firm, The T. Braun Company, to conduct a study to determine the need for and ability to support a coworking facility. Coworking spaces – or shared office spaces – have become a new alternative for independent professionals.  Across the nation, the number of coworking spaces is rising at a rapid pace as this growing segment of the workforce strives to get out of the basements and coffee shops currently serving as their workspace. Unlike the traditional office setting, many coworking spaces have become collaborative workspaces because of the synergistic atmosphere that develops from working alongside like-minded, ambitious, creative, talented people.

With feedback provided by 27 Waunakee Lone Eagles (independent professionals) and the assessment of 19 possible locations throughout the Village, it has been determined that the potential for the development of a successful coworking space in Waunakee is very high. Moving forward, a scoping session will be held with those Lone Eagles most interested in helping to establish this type of workspace here in Waunakee. If you are a Lone Eagle and think this would be an attractive option, please email Stephen Bechler at adminintern@vil.waunakee.wi.us.

Click here to read the full report.

Upcoming Madison College Employer Forum Letter

Dear Madison Area Employer:

As part of Madison College’s continuing effort to serve local employers, I would like to invite you to attend one of four listening sessions we are holding at our West Campus.  The purpose of these listening sessions are to provide us with direct input from employers with respect to four main workforce issues:

• employee skills gap;
• workforce training needs;
• professional development and continuing education needs; and
• academic and technical programming options at the West Campus.

Your input will help us to develop appropriate strategies to respond to the issues you face.

The following sessions have been scheduled:

Friday, November 8, 8:00am-9:00am

Friday, November 8, 11:30am-12:30pm

Friday, November 15, 8:00am-9:00am

Friday, November 15, 11:30am-12:30pm

Tables will be arranged and labeled by topic in Room 208, 209, and 210 at the West Campus (302 S. Gammon Road).   The College will provide a facilitator at each table to gather your thoughts, opinions, and insights.  We will provide a light breakfast (bagels, fruit, juice, and coffee) or lunch (sandwich, chips, cookie, and soda) for you to enjoy.

If you are able to attend, please RSVP to lwilliams@madisoncollege.edu or (608)243-5418 and let us know what day and time you would prefer so we may arrange accurate food and beverage service.  

Thank you for your consideration.  I look forward to meeting you personally.

Sincerely,

Lorin K. Toepper, Ph.D.

Executive Director

Economic and Workforce Development-Southwest Region

Lone Eagle Profile - Ben DiSalvo

The Lone Eagles has proved itself to be more than the occasion to meet people, it offers each member the chance to share their tenets and expectations re: relationships with business clients and with each other.

Benedict (Ben) Di Salvo has lived in Waunakee with his wife Diane for 13 years, and in Santa Fe for two years.  He also lived in 12 other states accumulating experience in business, arts & tourism, fund development and grant-making.

Ben was hired to dissolve the United Neighborhood Center (Madison) that had eight dependent member organizations. His job was to help each member become a capable, independent 501(c)3.  The model he developed was both an assessment and a growth model that gave each member organization a specific path to follow toward independence and success.  That assessment / growth model is now known as The MaxCI Assessment©.  

The MaxCI Assessment© is a confidential, on-line, self-assessment tool for not-for-profits to determine their organizational health and capacity. What sets this tool apart from other assessments and growth models is that the organizations receives a comparative, or ipsative, score – one that compares the organization to itself and not to other organizations.  The results include recommendations to increase its ability to raise more funds, deliver premium programs, reach its potential and to become indispensable to the community.  On the other side of the “funding table” foundations, businesses and government agencies use the tool to screen applicants in – or out of – the awards process; or to help strengthen the applicant organization.

For detailed descriptions go to www.maxci.net

Lone Eagle Profile - Robert Arntz

Robert J. Arntz, Architect has been a licensed Architect since October 8, 1992, specializing in the architectural design of custom new, addition, and remodeling projects for single-family residences and small commercial buildings.  In 1995, he started his sole practitioner firm in Waunakee to provide more personalized services tailored to the unique needs of each client.  Robert provides clients problem solving and conceptual design consultations, schematic design, design development, construction documents and construction administration services.

Working as a sole practitioner Architect allows Robert to have more quality family time and more flexibility to participate in community service projects.  Since he attended the first Lone Eagle Initiative meeting, Robert continues to be involved with the group because it is a great way to network with other home office professionals.  Waunakee is an ideal location to practice architecture because of the many new residential and commercial developments in addition to its proximity to Madison, Middleton and other surrounding Dane County communities.  Robert has been a member of the American Institute of Architects for over twenty years and both the Waunakee Rotary Club and the Waunakee Area Chamber of Commerce for over 18 years.  You can see examples of his architecture projects on his website along with his landscape, nature and wildlife photographs.

Robert J. Arntz, Architect
Phone: (608) 849-7292
Email: rjarntz@tds.net
Website:         http://robertjarntzphotography.zenfolio.com

Robert suggests the following links to learn more about what architects do:
What does an Architect do video – http://www.youtube.com/user/CRANtv
The American Institute of Architects – http://www.aia.org

Village of Waunakee Commercial Real Estate and Development Bus Tour

The Village of Waunakee is now accepting RSVPs for participation in a real estate and development bus tour on Thursday, September 12^th.  The 90 minute bus tour will begin at 3 PM, with a locally catered reception to follow at 4:30 PM. For those interested, preceding the tour the Village will sponsor a 9-hole round of golf at The Meadows of Six Mile Creek golf course.

 The tour will include presentations on three key areas of Village growth and development – commercial opportunities, downtown revitalization, and business / office park development. We will step off the bus and briefly visit two locations: the brand new Dean Clinic in Don Tierney’s Kilkenny Farms development and the vacant Koltes Lumber building in the center of our downtown. We will then arrive at the Murphy/Bremser building in the Waunakee Business Park where you’ll be treated to a catered reception featuring food from Rex’s Innkeeper.

There is no charge to attend, but space is limited. We will fill the 45 bus seats on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve your spot by contacting Administrative Intern Stephen Bechler (contact information below). Be sure to let us know if you are interested in participating in golfing as well. Should you have any questions, you are welcome to contact me or Stephen. To learn more about economic development in Waunakee, please visit our website at www.waunakee-ed.com and subscribe to our ED blog at http://waunakeewi.blogspot.com/.

Draft Tour Itinerary

The Tour is sponsored by BMO Harris, Lamers Bus Lines, and the Village of Waunakee.

Global Access Exporter Forum with Congressman Mark Pocan - August 28

Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-2), U.S. House of Representatives invites you to attend the Exporter Forum on Wednesday, August 28 from 8:30 AM to Noon at the Accelerator Building in Madison.  The Forum is being held in collaboration with the Export-Import Bank of the United States, whose Chairman & President Fred Hochberg will also be in attendance.  There is no cost to attend the event, but space is limited.  To register, please click the following link: http://www.exim.gov/gasb.

Exporter Forum
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
8:30 AM - Noon
Accelerator Building - Conference Room 10
5602 Research Park Boulevard
Madison, WI

Learn How to Increase Your Company's Foreign Sales by:

• Obtaining protection against the risk of nonpayment
• Extending credit to your buyers
• Accessing vital working capital
• Finding new markets and consumers
• Understanding how other companies have used government resources to export

This event is tailored to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses with 500 or fewer employees.

Feedback Needed from Local ‘Lone Eagles’ to Determine Feasibility of a Co-Working Space in Waunakee

In an effort to help grow the entrepreneurial spirit in Waunakee, the Village is currently seeking feedback and insight from individuals who are currently working out of their homes or in remote office spaces to determine if there is a demand/need for a co-working facility to serve area residents.

Across the nation, the number of co-working spaces is rising at rapid pace as professionals and entrepreneurs strive to get out of whatever currently serves as their makeshift workspace.  However, a co-working facility is more than just office space shared by professionals; rather, it provides the opportunities created by people who are still working independently, but share values and are interested in the synergy that can result from working with like-minded, talented people in the same space.

While demand for this type of space is increasing, co-working space founders almost all agree that it isn’t a “build it and they will come” project. The key to a successful operation is creating a space that meets the unique needs of the community of users that it will serve. Some facilities operate as nonprofits and others are managed/owned by a primary user. Several exist purely to provide the social interaction and camaraderie of a traditional “office”, while several strive to build collaborations and partnerships.

It is for these reasons that the Village of Waunakee has contracted with the T. Braun Company to assess the independent professional landscape in Waunakee and determine the need and ability to support a co-working facility. The intention of the study is not for the Village to operate or manage the Project, but to provide recommendations and guidance so that such a space is not only sustainable, but fosters the generation of ideas, facilitates business collaborations, and fuels future economic development success stories.

If you are potentially interested (now or in the future) in having a co-working or shared office facility in Waunakee, or if you simply have questions about what such space could provide, please contact Tricia Braun before Friday, August 23 at tricia@thebrauncompany.com or 951.201.5895. 

Exportech - Techniques for Profitable Exporting

Driving growth is the key to success.

Business growth comes from three sources:

1. Increasing existing sales

2. Bringing new innovative products to the market

3. Exporting

Forward-thinking Wisconsin companies are taking advantage of explosive growth seen in other parts of the world.  Today, 95% of consumers are outside the United States, and small-to-midsize Wisconsin companies are profiting from this global demographic.

Successful companies are tapping into new markets with a customized export expansion strategy.  They've done the analysis and they're targeting the top two or three countries that have the greatest revenue potential and the least risk.

ExporTech-Proven path to export success

Develop a customized, action-oriented export expansion strategy with ExporTech.  Graduates of ExporTech have achieved sales increases averaging $900,000 in 6-9 months after completing the program.

Who should participate:

Success in exporting relies on executive support.  ExporTech requires commitment from at least two top senior executives, i.e. owners, CEOs and other executive leadership.

Cost: $5,000 per company; scholarships are available.

Where & When:

Each ExporTech session consists of three intense events scheduled one month apart.  Coaching and assistance is provided between events.

September Kick-off Waukesha - WCTC Center for Business Performance Solutions

• Wednesday, September 11
• Wednesday, October 9
• Thursday, November 14

October Kick-off Racine - SC Johnson iMET Center

• Tuesday, October 1
• Tuesday, November 5
• Tuesday, December 10

October Kick-off Manitowoc (AG Focus) - Holiday Inn, Manitowoc AND LTC, Cleveland

• Tuesday, October 22 Manitowoc
• Thursday, November 21 Cleveland
• Thursday, December 12 Cleveland

November Kick-off Appleton - Bordini Center - FVTC

• Tuesday, November 12
• Tuesday, December 3
• Tuesday, January 7 (2014)

December Kick-off Waukesha - WCTC Center for Business Performance Solutions

• Thursday, December 5
• Thursday, January 9 (2014)
• Thursday, February 6 (2014)

For more information, contact:

Roxanne Baumann, Director of Global Engagement, WMEP

baumann@wmep.org   262.442.8279

Joni Geroux, Outreach Program Manager, MOC

gerouxj@uwstout.edu   715.232.5270

Lone Eagle Profile - Emily Olson

Talent Accounting Services, LLC developed out of a love of business, specifically accounting, the love of helping others, and the passion to support the non-profit industry as well as small businesses. Growing up on the family farm in the hills of Crawford County, Emily was introduced at an early age entrepreneurship and business, as well as the need to support and volunteer for non-profit organizations. This drive was further developed attending Viterbo University in La Crosse, a university that focuses on servant leadership and development. Emily loves the Waunakee area as it still has the small-town feel—she doesn’t have to go far to see a cornfield, yet is still close to the booming metropolis of Madison. There is a great diversity of people that live and serve in this community as well.

The focus of Talent Accounting Services, LLC is to support non-profit organizations, small businesses, and individuals. Services include tax preparation, financial statement preparation, budget assistance, payroll, accounts receivable and accounts payable. It has been very rewarding being a Lone Eagle both from a networking perspective, as well as gaining education on topics that affect Emily—such as office space and insurance needs. The Lone Eagle Initiative has allowed her to network with many organizations similar to hers, and to develop some great business relationships. She is looking forward to further developing these relationships, as well as any new relationships that may develop.

Email: emily@talentcpa.com
Website: www.talentcpa.com
Phone: (608) 386-0038
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TalentCPA
Twitter: @TalentCPA
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/olsonemily/

Lone Eagle Profile - Chad Margenau

Chad Margenau founded Triton Business Advisors, LLC, a project-based CFO and Business Analysis firm, in 2010.  Leveraging 15 years of corporate financial and operational management experience, he helps small and medium-sized businesses monitor and manage performance.  In addition to traditional financial management support, he develops powerful and customized planning and analysis, modeling and dashboard tools that help owners and managers evaluate key decisions and track progress toward business goals.

Chad moved to Waunakee in 2009 to raise his family here.  He finds the benefits of being a Lone Eagle are flexibility and balance, allowing him to quickly adapt his schedule to not only serve his clients and meet other professional commitments, but also be very involved with family activities.  He feels the Lone Eagle Initiative has provided a great networking opportunity and an innovative way to become more engaged locally. The Initiative in and of itself is another great reason to be a part of the Waunakee Community.

More information about Triton Business Advisors can be found on his website at:
http://www.tritonbus.com/services.html

Lone Eagle Initiative Picnic - July 10th

Are you working from home in the Village of Waunakee?  If so, please consider joining us for a picnic on Wednesday, July 10th from 4:00-6:00 PM at the Village Park shelter.  The Village will be providing catered food from Bunky's Cafe.  There is no charge to attend.  This picnic is part of the Lone Eagle Initiative--an ongoing Village economic development effort to engage and serve home office professionals.  You can learn more about the Initiative by clicking on the following link: http://www.waunakee-ed.com/loneeagles.

Lone Eagle Profile - Becky Olson

Becky Olson is the owner of Clutter Confidant, a professional organizing business based in Waunakee, WI. In addition to my management experience in the business world I spent over ten years in ministry. This brings a unique insight to my organizing business as I work alongside clients, teaching them to bring their homes, offices and lives from chaos to calm. De-cluttering your environment contributes to your health and wellbeing by lowering your stress levels. Clutter Confidant services include the organization of all living and storage areas of the home and office including downsizing, and home staging. Being a part of Lone Eagle Initiative has certainly been a beneficial networking opportunity but more than that it has brought me an increased sense of community. Living and doing business in Waunakee gives you the best of both worlds. We are a relatively small town but we have a wide variety of demographics and close access to a multitude of cultural experiences. Working as a Lone Eagle also gives me the flexibility to enjoy my kids and grandkids, church life, travel, and music.

Clutter Confidant
Bringing Calm to Chaos

http://www.clutter-confidant.com/

clutterconfidant@gmail.com

http://www.facebook.com/Clutter-Confidant

Clutter Confidant on LinkedIn

Tormach Progress Update

As you'll see in the pictures above, progress is coming along nicely on Tormach's new 19,000 square foot headquarter facility in Waunakee.  The new facility represents a major expansion in training and R&D space, as well as office space to accommodate 42 staff members.

Tormach, a manufacturer that specializes in Personal CNC mills and accessories, was founded in 2002 by Greg Jackson and Ed Korn.  Tormach is currently operating out of leased space in the Waunakee Business Park.

The Village of Waunakee is proud to be the home of Tormach, and we look forward to the exciting opportunities associated with the new facility.

Lone Eagle Profile - Rena Ripp

Rena Ripp is a Lone Eagle who started working out of her home August 2011. At that time Hummingbird Social Media, LLC was born, a small business that works with other small and medium size business setting up their online presence. Rena received her Certified Social Media Strategist certification from the Social Media Academy. No LinkedIn account, Rena can assist with setting one up for you. As a Lone Eagle it is important to connect with other professionals.  Rena not only helps business with their social media needs, she also assists our older generation in learning how to stay connected with their family and friends. She travels to various senior and assisted living communities to assist with basic computer training. She also makes house calls.

Hummingbird Social Media have ventured into assisting business with those one off projects or administrative tasks that are not large enough to warrant hiring additional staff.

Rena worked in the corporate world for 27 years, being a Lone Eagle provides her with the flexibility to have a flexible work schedule. The flexible time allows Rena the opportunity to be one of the Board members for the Waunakee Chamber of Commerce, the Social Media Breakfast of Madison and participate in the Wauktoberfest and the Creative Economy Initiative for Waunakee. This also allows her to assist with her six grandchildren, four that live within a 15 mile radius. Rena enjoys gardening, going to the Amish Auction, and while not a wine expert, does enjoy sharing a glass every now and then.

Follow Rena on Twitter, Like her on Facebook, connect with her on LinkedIn, or check out her website.

https://www.facebook.com/hummingbirdsocialmedia

https://twitter.com/renaripp

http://www.linkedin.com/in/renabevarsripp

http://www.hummingbirdsocial media.com

Waunakee's Endres Manufacturing Featured in Wisconsin State Journal

Waunakee's Endres Manufacturing was recently featured in the Wisconsin State Journal.  The fourth generation family owned and operated business employs 50 people, many of whom have worked there for 20 years or more.  You can read the article by clicking the following link: Article Link.

Lone Eagle Initiative Updates

For those of you that haven't been a part of the Lone Eagle initiative, here are a few updates on engagement efforts we currently have underway.

Survey
Coworking, which provides the opportunity to share work space and the associated collaboration opportunities, yet remain independent, was one of the focuses of our last get-together.  We’ve linked a number of coworking-related articles and websites to our webpage: http://www.waunakee-ed.com/loneeagles to give you a better idea of how coworking functions in different places.  Given that a number of our participants have expressed some level of interest in coworking, we put together a brief survey to gauge the level of interest amongst the group as a whole.  Here is a link to the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2DRJJ9D.  If you would be willing to take a few minutes to complete it before Friday May 3rd, we’d really appreciate it.

LinkedIn
As many of you have already seen, we began a LinkedIn page for the Initiative last week.  It is our hope that this will help facilitate communication between our participants, whether on a professional or social level.  Please feel free to begin discussions about issues facing home office professionals, potential opportunities for collaboration, news, ways to engage the larger community, etc.  The space is yours.  If there is anything that we can do to facilitate the process, please let me know.  Here’s the link to the group page: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4964688&trk=hb_side_g.

Event
We are holding our next event next Thursday, May 2nd, at Lucky’s Bar & Grille, from 4:00-6:00 PM.  In addition to providing another opportunity to network and socialize with your peers, this event will feature a short presentation by Ellen Schaaf, Executive Director of the Waunakee Area Chamber of Commerce, about the services that our local chamber can offer to home office professionals.

Small Business Seminar - The Affordable Care Act: What Does it Mean For Your Business?

Wednesday, May 1st
Grainger Hall, Room 5120 - UW-Madison Campus
975 University Avenue, Madison
3:00 - 5:00 PM

This small business seminar, hosted by Congressman Mark Pocan and SBA officials will provide information on:

• What the Affordable Care Act will mean for your business and your employees
• What federal resources exist to help small businesses succeed, including tax credits, trainings and procurement opportunities.

Presenters to include:

• Marianne Markowitz, Regional Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration
• Eric Ness, District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration

The event is FREE, but registration is required.  To register for the seminar, please visit: http://pocanseminar.eventbrite.com or call Rep. Pocan's office at (608) 258-9800.

Reminder: Lone Eagles Social Mixer & Info Session Next Thursday

May 2nd, 2013
4:00-6:00 PM
Lucky’s Bar & Grille
1008 Quinn Drive

Waunakee's Lone Eagle Initiative is holding its next meeting next Thursday, May 2nd, from 4:00 - 6:00 at Lucky's.  In addition to providing another opportunity for home office professionals to network and socialize with one another, we’re planning a short presentation by Ellen Schaaf, Executive Director of the Waunakee Area Chamber of Commerce, about the services that our local chamber can offer to our community of home office professionals.

Please check our webpage at: http://www.waunakee-ed.com/loneeagles to view our growing directory of home office professionals in the area, information about shared work spaces, local resources, news, and more.  If you have any questions about the Initiative, or any other matter, please contact Stephen Bechler at adminintern@vil.waunakee.wi.us or at 850-2830.

New Lone Eagle Initiative LinkedIn Group

In order to facilitate easier member-to-member communication for participants in the Lone Eagle Initiative, the Village has set up a LinkedIn group: Lone Eagles LinkedIn Group.  Please feel free to join, and forward the information on to others.

For more information about the Lone Eagle Initiative, you can also visit our webpage at: http://www.waunakee-ed.com/loneeagles.

Tourism/Community Betterment Grant Deadline Approaching

Next Friday, March 15th is the deadline to apply for 2013 Waunakee Tourism/Community Betterment Grant Funding.  Check out this Waunakee Economic Development Blog post for more information.

Lone Eagle Initiative Social Mixer & Informational Presentation

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

4:30-6:30 PM

Lucky’s Bar & Grille

1008 Quinn Drive - Waunakee 

Waunakee's Lone Eagle Initiative will be holding its next meeting on Wednesday, March 13th from 4:30 - 6:30 PM at Lucky's Bar & Grille.  In addition to providing an opportunity to network and socialize, this event will include a short informational presentation on a new trend called co-working.  Jenna Weber, Business Development Coordinator at SVA, has been pursuing this concept in the greater Madison area and is excited to share more with us.  Additional information about coworking can be found on our webpage.

For more information about the Initiative, including the progress we have made so far, please visit our webpage at: http://www.waunakee-ed.com/loneeagles.

2013 Dane County Small Business Award Nominations Now Open

Nominate your favorite business for a 2013 Dane County Small Business Award!  It's easy and takes just a minute per nomination.  To make a nomination, please visit: http://sbdc.wisc.edu/.

• Self-nominations by employees and owners are encouraged.
• Nominations of minority and women-owned firms and emerging businesses are encouraged.
• Nominations of businesses in outlying Dane County as well as Madison are encouraged.
• You can nominate more than one company.
• "Emerging Business Award" for a company 1-3 years old.
• A company only needs to be nominated once.
• Awards are based on a company questionnaire, not how many times they are nominated.

The awards celebrate small companies and their owners for the risks they take and the contributions they make to our communities.

Up to 10 companies will receive a Dane County Small Business Award at our 31st annual event held June 14, 2013.

Waunakee Property Highlight - Price Reduced

Today's property highlight is 208 S. Century Avenue.

• Former UW Health Clinic
• *New* Sale Price - $400,000
• Listing details
• For more information on property please contract Theresa Soik at University of Wisconsin Medical Foundation. (608) 826-6868 or at theresa.soik@uwmf.wisc.edu

To learn about other available properties in Waunakee be sure to contact Todd Schmidt, Village Administrator / Economic Development Director, at (608) 850-5227 or tschmidt@vil.waunakee.wi.us.

Exciting Growth at Nord Gear in Waunakee

I recently had the opportunity to tour the newly expanded NORD Gear facility in Waunakee. Pictured above, from left to right, are Paul Jadin, Executive Director of THRIVE, Terry Shadeberg, President of NORD Gear, and Ellen Schaaf, Waunakee Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, all of whom joined me in the the tour.

Rapid growth over the last three years has required NORD Gear to expand its headquarters in Waunakee. The NORD Gear expansion will increase its footprint by 55,000 sq. ft. It will allow for a complete redesign of their manufacturing, assembly and service areas. Through this project, NORD Gear will create a new training area, doubling its current space.  They will provide employees with substantially larger break and locker room areas.  The machining capabilities will be expanded with new machines arriving early this year. The motor assembly area will receive a large expansion in space and capabilities with new work cells, conveyors and testing equipment. Gearbox assembly will also expand greatly and will have the capacity to assemble new large industrial units. Along the way, the service and shipping areas will be expanded. The expansion also includes additional office space and expanded parking. Over the next three years, NORD Gear expects to be able to add at least 50 new employees as a result of this expansion.

The Village of Waunakee is proud to be the home of NORD Gear. We celebrate with them all of the opportunities that will come with their new expansion.

Waunakee Property Highlight

Today's property highlight is 605 Knightsbridge Road.

• Office space available in multi-tenant building
• 575 square feet available
• Lease terms: $600/month
• All utilities paid for by the landlord
• Listing details
• For more information regarding this property, please contact Phil Simon at (608) 849-5916 or prs@simonbuilds.com.

To learn more about other available properties in Waunakee be sure to contact Todd Schmidt, Village Administrator / Economic Development Director, at (608) 850-5227 or tschmidt@vil.waunakee.wi.us.

Attention Waunakee Area Real Estate Professionals

Pick One (same content at each):

March 14 4:30 - 6:00 PM

March 15 8:00 - 9:30 AM

State Bank of Cross Plains-Waunakee

610 W. Main Street

Waunakee, WI

You are cordially invited to the 2013 Waunakee Area Real Estate Professionals Forums hosted by the Waunakee School District, Village of Waunakee, and Waunakee Area Chamber of Commerce.  This year's forums will be held on March 14th and 15th, with the same information being made available at each session.  These forums are free events.  Drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be provided at the afternoon session, while breakfast will be provided at the morning session, courtesy of the State Bank of Cross Plains.

Waunakee a great place to live and do business.

Please RSVP by February 15th to Stephen Bechler, Village Administrative Intern, at adminintern@vil.waunakee.wi.us or 850-2830. Our contact information is listed below. Please be sure to let us know if you have any questions about this or other issues of importance to you.

Thank you very much for helping make Waunakee a great place to live!

Sincerely,

Randy Guttenburg

rguttenburg@waunakee.k12.wi.us

849-2000

Ellen Schaaf

ellen@waunakeechamber.com

849-5977

Todd Schmidt

tschmidt@vil.waunakee.wi.us

850-5227

Dane County Revolving Loan Program Funds Available!

Funds are now available from Dane County's Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Programs, the Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund and the Commercial Revitalization Loan Fund.  The funds are used to stimulate economic development and provide funds for commercial revitalization.

Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund
This fund provides gap financing to businesses that create jobs, 51% of which must go to low and moderate-income persons.  Qualifying applicants include for-profit businesses, not for profit organizations, and municipalities outside the City of Madison.  For a complete list of requirements, manuals, and fact sheets, please click the following link: http://www.dane-econdev.org/financing_and_capital.aspx.

Commercial Revitalization Loan Fund
This fund provides financing to businesses and real estate development projects that help revitalize downtown and commercial districts.  Both for-profit and not for profit organizations may apply.  For a complete list of requirements, manuals, and fact sheets, please click the following link: http://www.dane-econdev.org/financing_and_capital.aspx.

Application - Same form for either of the listed loans
Loan Application

For more information on available incentives, as well as everything else related to Economic Development in the Village, be sure to visit our website at: http://www.waunakee-ed.com

Tourism/Community Betterment Funds Available

The Tourism/Community Betterment Fund is a grant program established by the Village of Waunakee intended to fund tourism projects (events that will bring visitors to the Village of Waunakee) or betterment projects (events that will improve the quality of life for the residents of the Village).  The grant program is administered yearly by the Waunakee Economic Development Commission (WEDC).  Any funds not awarded in a particular year will be carried over for consideration in future year award cycles.

How much can an organization receive?
The grants are intended to assist in the start-up and development of new events, so preference is given to new applications.  First time applicants are eligible to receive up to $2,000; Grant requests for recurring projects or events may receive up to $1,000 in the 2nd funding year, and up to $500 in the third year.

How do we apply?
Applications and further guidelines/requirements can be found by clicking the following link: http://www.waunakee.com/tourismgrant.

Applications are due to Village Hall by March 15th.  Grant awards will be made in April, and recipients will be notified of the WEDC decision by April 30.

Questions?
If any questions arise during the application process, please contact Stephen Bechler at adminintern@vil.waunakee.wi.us or by telephone at (608) 850-2830.