By JIM SCHUH
of The Gazette
Nearly 400 guests at the Portage County Business Council annual dinner helped honor two local businesses and a volunteer for excellence on Tuesday night. They also received reports on the organization's accomplishments for the past 12 months, and what to expect in the year ahead.
Executive Director Brian Doudna described 2000 as "the most exciting year in Portage County Business Council's history."
In addition to its successful efforts in attracting Lands' End, the Dodgeville-based clothing mail order firm now constructing a new building in the Portage County Business Park, the Business Council has high expectations for a new "Partners in Education" program. It is a joint effort involving the Business Council, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and Mid-State Technical College to train the area's workforce. In the words of outgoing Business Council President Torren Pies, it "will further distinguish us as one of the best communities in Wisconsin." 2001 Business Council President Ron Wessels added the training center would be "a great thing for our county."
Wessels also said that discussions of transportation issues (Highway 10 rerouting and the South Side Business District street project) will occur in the coming year. He said it's important to take a long-term view and consider what's good for the quality of life - and that includes business growth, which translates to more jobs.
Wessels also said he hopes to see jet service return to the Central Wisconsin Airport this year, and predicted changes at paper giant Stora Enso, which acquired Consolidated Papers in 2000. He said changes always occur when a new firm takes over, and while they may cause some anxiety and stress, they also can provide opportunity.
Physical Therapy Associates received the Business Council's "Small Business of the Year" award, and the John and Patty Noel of the Noel Group accepted the Business Council's "Decree of Excellence" award. In addition, the Business Council honored John Wandrey, customer service manager for the Wisconsin Public Service Corp., for his community and volunteer efforts, with its "President's Award."
Wandrey, who plans to retire in March, has served as a Business Council board member, as president of the Portage County Economic Development Corp., and on the boards of the Central Wisconsin Area Economic Development Corp. and the North Central Wisconsin Development board. His service also includes six years on the Mid-State Technical College board, and terms on boards of the United Way of Portage County and Community Foundation of Portage County, among others.
Physical Therapy Associates has grown considerably since it began seven years ago with two therapists and an office employee. Today, the firm has eight therapists and two assistant therapists at its three locations, Stevens Point, Iola and Waupaca. The Business Council presents its annual "Small Business of the Year" award to an outstanding firm with fewer than 25 employees.
The "Decree of Excellence" honor went to the Noel Group for its capital improvement projects and job creation. The travel services company has added more than 100 full-time positions, and has spent in excess of $400,000 for improvements to a former Associated Bank building, southwest of its headquarters.
Doudna, the Business Council's executive director, noted that during 2000, the organization had named 10 teachers of distinction to receive "Golden Apple" awards. He said the Business Council received the names of about 250 nominees from seven school districts for the honors.
Motivational speaker and author Dennis Mannering entertained guests with comments that attitudes make the difference between success and failure. He heads Options Unlimited Inc. of Green Bay.