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Fast Forward - Closing the Manufacturing Skills Gap
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 Workforce Resource, Inc (WRI), in conjunction with the Polk County Job Center and Polk County EDC recognized a need for more training in order to fill skilled-worker job openings.
Due to this, the Fast Forward program was developed, which includes a job fair and Manufacturing Skills Academy concepts linked with job trial and on-the-job training components.
 The 12 week Academy curriculum was designed to mimic a work week where trainees had hands-on welding and assembly experience. They were also monitored daily for teamwork, supervisory relations, quality, productivity, initiative and motivation. The Fast Forward Manufacturing Skills Project has been a true model of collaboration between employer, economic development, workforce development and education partners. For more information, visit www.workforceresource.org
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| | Levi Wagner was hired as the new Lending Specialist at WCWRPC. |
 In his role as Lending Specialist at West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, Levi will be covering the Micro Loan program for all communities. He will also handle Revolving Loan Fund requests in Dunn and St. Croix counties.
Levi's previous work experience includes Branch Manager at CitiFinancial in Hudson and Branch Manager at Security Finance.
Levi is originally from Cambridge, MN. He has degrees in Business Management and Administration (2003) and Accounting (2013).
An avid hunter, fisherman, and camping and outdoor enthusiast, he is looking forward to learning more about the region and networking.
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| Ten Steps to Lower Peak Demand Charges
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Energy Savers for Business Leaders: By Questline From Your Local Electric Utility Providers: Xcel Energy, Northwestern Wisconsin Electric and Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative
If you are looking to reduce your energy costs, it is important to look beyond overall electricity use. Most facilities are charged for both consumption and demand High energy loads strain the electricity grid, and customers are asked to share in the burden of providing more expensive power through peak demand charges.
Demand meters record energy use in 15- or 30-minute intervals, and one energy-intensive interval can result in a high demand charge for the entire month.
Click here to learn 10 things you can do to implement low-cost operational changes as well as target equipment upgrades and building system retrofits.
To learn more about energy efficiency and incentive opportunties for your business, contact your local electric utility.
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Featured Business Member
Bremer Bank
 | | Pictured: Otto Bremer |
 The story behind Bremer Bank is the story of a self-made man, Otto Bremer, who was committed to the long-term health and vitality of the communities that were home to his banks. It's also the story of nearly 2,000 employees who deliver outstanding customer service, volunteer for local organizations and enrich the health of the communities where they live and work. Today, Bremer is an $8.2 billion financial services company offering banking, trust, insurance and investment services. The company maintains its headquarters in St. Paul, Minn., and has locations throughout Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. Bremer is owned by the Otto Bremer Foundation (92%) and Bremer employees (8%). Bremer has a direct financial investment in the health of our communities - because when clients choose to bank with Bremer Bank, 42% of the dividends are paid to the bank's majority owner, the Otto Bremer Foundation, to invest back in the local communities through Foundation grants. Last year, the Otto Bremer Foundation and Bremer Bank donated more than $36 million in grants to help local nonprofits build healthy communities. "Our employees are very passionate about working on behalf of our clients and realize that the work they do contributes to the communities they live and work in through the Foundation's giving," said Draxler. "Their passion is evident in the longevity of many of our employees. For example, Bremer Bank's Glenn Meier, Market Manager of our locations in Frederic, Danbury and Siren, recently celebrated his 35th anniversary at Bremer. It is truly amazing." For additional information about Bremer Bank, visit Bremer.com or Facebook.com/BremerBank, follow Bremer on Twitter @BremerBank or call them at 1800-908-BANK. |
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New Business Opens
Motion Trophies/Express Laser Engraving, Osceola,WI, is owned by Jackie & Larry Jepsen and is a blend of two small businesses into one entity that works with all types of award, gift products, high quality laser engraving, along with full color sublimation on many different products. In addition, we can provide screen printed garments and vinyl lettering for small run orders and vehicle lettering. Our line of glassware products include wedding and party products, all custom designed for your special needs.
Contact Information:
205 Cascade St.
Osceola, WI 54020
(715) 755-2737
ExpressLaserEngraving@yahoo.com
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Featured Board Member
 Eric Dueholm is a 19-year commercial real estate veteran and has completed over 600 transactions exceeding 10 million square feet. He graduated from UW Madison's business school with a degree in real estate and urban land economics. In addition to listing office and industrial buildings in the Polk County area, Eric represents companies throughout the country in real estate lease and sale negotiations. In addition to brokerage work, he actively invests in commercial and multi-family properties throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin and is the owner of www.ezflytie.com, a supplier of fly tying materials and tools. For the past 6 years Eric has worked for Welsh Companies/Colliers International. He lives in Luck with his wife Amy, and children Britta and Anders. Eric has been an active member of the boards of the Polk County EDC, Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity and the Luck Golf Course. |
| Welcome New Business Event |
 | RM Golf Carts, Inc
Mark Kaufman, Owner |
The Town of St. Croix Falls and the Polk County Economic Development Corporation sponsored a "Welcome New Business" Event on August 12, 2013 for the new businesses in the Town of St. Croix Falls in Polk County.
"The Town of St. Croix Falls is excited about the new businesses that have recently opened in the business friendly environment of the Town of St. Croix Falls," said Steve Palmer, Town Chairperson. Leading the tour where Steve Palmer and Steve
Healy, the Executive Director of the Polk County Economic Development Corporation. The four businesses visited where Big Rock Creek Farm, RM Golf Carts, Inc., Polar Pete's, and the Dancing Dragonfly Winery.
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Dancing Dragonfly Winery
Left to right: Todd Schweim, Marketing Director Dancing Dragonfly Winery, Katie Severson, Representative Eric Severson, Steve Healy Executive Director Polk County EDC, Senator Shelia Harsdorf. |
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Big Rock Creek Retreat
Left to right: Bill Schmidt, General Manager Polk Burnett Electric Cooperative and Polk County EDC Board Member, Katie Severson, Representative Eric Severson, Kristine Kremer-Hartung, 1st Vice-Chairman Polk County Board of Supervisors, Scott Hansen, Farm Manager, Steve Healy, Executive Director Polk County EDC, Senator Shelia Harsdorf, Adam Jarchow, Attorney Bakke-Norman and Polk County EDC Board Member, Steve Palmer, Chairperson Town of St. Croix Falls, and Jim Alt, Zoning Administrator Town of St. Croix Falls.
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Polar Pete's Seafood and Meats
Left to right: Ron Ward, Polar Pete's Seafood and Meats, Stephanie Ward, , Polar Pete's Seafood and Meats, Peter Ward, , Polar Pete's Seafood and Meats, Kyle Ward, , Polar Pete's Seafood and Meats, Representative Eric Severson, Senator Shelia Harsdorf, Kristine Kremer-Hartung, 1st Vice-Chairman Polk County Board of Supervisors, Steve Palmer, Chairperson Town of St. Croix Falls.
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Photos courtesy of Kirk Anderson |
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