Faith Technologies is no stranger to successful United Way campaigns. In 2014, the company took a national stance by asking their employees, who are located throughout the country, to support their local United Way. Overall, employees contributed more than $47,000 in addition to a $25,000 corporate gift. In the Fox Cities alone, Faith Technologies experienced growth of more than 131 percent in employee contributions with a total donation of more than $41,000. The company’s leaders in the Fox Cities also increased participation by 150 percent, resulting in a donation of $10,828.00.

“As a company we are committed to the communities where we live and work, and partnering with organizations that give back – like United Way – ensures the best use is made of our donation dollars,” said Jim Totzke, executive vice president of operations. “This is our ninth campaign year, and it has been tremendous to see the continued growth and engagement of our employees and leadership team. It’s even more rewarding to be part of a larger community of givers. It’s a community effort, and together we can all make a difference.”

Faith Technologies joined other nominees at the United Way Fox Cities 2014 Campaign Celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015 at Fox Cities Stadium. Companies were nominated for this award based on their percent increase in giving and participation as well as personal knowledge from staff about the efforts put towards the operation, including implementing best practices for a campaign. Other companies nominated alongside Faith Technologies in the large company (500+ employees) category were Appvion, Bergstrom Automotive, Festival Foods, Miller Electric Mfg. Co. and Pierce Manufacturing.

About Faith Technologies 
Faith Technologies, Inc. is an employee-owned, full-service electrical, engineering, and technology systems contractor operating in Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. With more than 2,000 employees, Faith Technologies is one of the largest privately-held specialty contractors in the United States. Established in 1972, Faith Technologies is ranked 12th among Electrical Construction and Maintenancemagazine’s “Top 50 Electrical Contractors” and 39th in Engineering News Record’s “Top 600 Specialty Contractors.” For more information, visit www.faithtechnologies.com, or the blog at www.faithtechnologies.com/blog. For information on Faith Technologies’ electrical risk management services, visit www.faithERM.com.

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He joined the SECURA, a mutual property and casualty insurer,in 1997 as President and CEO and was named chairman of its board of directors in 2004. From 1972 to 1979, he held underwriting management positions at Milwaukee Mutual and Allstate Insurance. He worked as vice president of casualty operations at Wisconsin Employers Group from 1979 to 1983, and then moved to West Bend Mutual where he was senior vice president of marketing from 1983 to 1997. Bykowski is a graduate of Marquette University.

Active in the insurance industry and community, he has served on the board of directors for the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) from 2003 to 2009, which included a 2007-08 term as board chairman.

Join us in celebrating with him at the Event: Celebrating Business on Nov. 5.  Click here to reserve your tickets.

The post Congratulations John Bykowski- Fox Cities Chamber Business Hall of Fame inductee appeared first on Fox Cities Chamber Blog.

Jim Beré was an entrepreneur before launching start-up Alta Resources, which is a customer management business process outsourcer based in Neenah.  First a product manager at Kimberly-Clark, Jim took a risk by walking away from the comfort of his secure job to make his own mark. His success or failure would be just that: his own.  If it didn’t work out, he’d learn a lot and move on.  There’s a name for that concept; entrepreneurs today call it “fail fast.”

Jim’s first venture, Ameritel Corporation, began in 1982 and was so successful that it was acquired in 1990. Five years later, he was back at it, cofounding what is now Alta Resources. At that time, Jim’s second start-up was one of few of its kind occupying the outsourcing-market space, putting Jim and his team at the cutting edge of what has become a megatrend. Keeping that trend at their backs as competition began to fill the space required them to stay innovative. Fast forward 19 years.

What once took the form of product and service innovation has grown to incorporate process innovation, as Alta Resources moved from start-up to the preferred partner of Fortune 500 and 100 clients. Now innovation incorporates identifying how to culturally create an environment for continuous improvement, such as becoming a Six Sigma Green Belt organization, and knowing and living your organization’s Guiding Principles.

One of those Guiding Principles that Jim is especially passionate about is Community.  The entire Alta Resources team gives back and makes a difference, particularly by embracing United Way, and Jim is proud to see Alta Resources as one of the Fox Cities’ top contributors annually.  Jim is on the Leadership Giving Committee for United Way Fox Cities. Also, for many years, he was involved with World Vision, having served on World Vision International’s board of directors and having been chairman of the board of directors for World Vision U.S.; World Vision is a nonprofit, humanitarian organization dedicated to providing community-based relief and development programs globally.

So, what does success look like to an original entrepreneur? Jim adds, “There’s a fine line between success and failure.”  Ultimately, he says, “Success is getting someone to believe in and find value in what you are selling. In the beginning, you only get one chance, and we delivered client results in a way that enabled us to succeed.” “I’m also really proud of the jobs we’ve created,” Jim reflects. Alta Resources is now home to a budding campus, which also serves as the company’s headquarters and houses its support departments, in downtown Neenah and is one of the area’s premier employers (nearly 3,300 people companywide at the end of 2013, with more than 1,600 based locally).

One of Jim’s resounding messages is, “Powerful things happen with teams.” He explains, “While I am receiving this award, ‘I’ didn’t build Alta Resources. ‘We’ built Alta Resources together.”

Jim has returned to his roots of entrepreneurship with his involvement in a new venture, the Alta Resources Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI), a partnership with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh College of Business and the Small Business Development Center. The mission of the CEI, which just received the 2014 “Emerging Center Award” from the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers, is to inspire, educate and develop entrepreneurial leaders through world-class education; cutting-edge research; and applied preparation, mentorship and public recognition. Beyond the financial contribution, Alta Resources will provide mentorship and networking opportunities for UWO students. A goal of the partnership is to help break down barriers to success that young entrepreneurs often face due to lack of support from an established network.  As a seasoned entrepreneur, Jim is able to offer expertise, resources and connections to students ready to launch and develop their business ideas, which, in his words “is very exciting.”

Join us in celebrating with him at the Event: Celebrating Business on Nov. 5.  Click here to reserve your tickets.

The post Jim Beré honored as Entrepreneur of the Year appeared first on Fox Cities Chamber Blog.

Kathi Seifert is a coach, resource, and an avid supporter of multiple community organizations, who works very hard to help those in need.    One of the ways she shares her knowledge and leadership skills is through mentoring girls basketball players at Menasha and Kaukauna schools, where she made an impact on young people in a way that builds their self-confidence, helps them stand taller, and feel committed to doing well as players and as a team.

She has  mentored dozens of young professionals looking for career advice, which has ranged from helping them position themselves better for the job market or thinking through career opportunities, to helping build their self-confidence in dealing with tough situations professionally.

Kathi also helps non-profit organizations succeed by  assisting them with goal setting and  strategic priorities and recruiting stronger board members who are business minded, which she feels is essential for all non-profit organizations and leaders need to be business focused to maintain financial sustainability while delivering against their respective missions.

Several years ago, Kathi and Anne Marie Werner started  an organization called PWN (Professional Women’s Network), which focused on helping professional women new to the area (transferred here with their spouses/partners) meet other professional women and possibly find job opportunities.  Over the course of a few years, women found new friends and supporters and over a dozen women found new career opportunities, which, Kathi says, ” was terrific!”

When Kathi isn’t mentoring individuals, she is often speaking  to groups of women, who are looking for advice on work/family balance, how best to work in a male dominated career environments and  how to strengthen their leadership capabilities.

What motives Kathi to give so much back to individuals, businesses and the community? “Personally, I feel very blessed to have very supportive family members and friends, work environments, and mentors along the way who have helped me with my personal journey. ”  Kathi says.  “I have learned a great deal over the years that I wish to share with others who are looking for advice.  I enjoy helping others and feel rewarded when I see individuals grow in self-confidence and better achieve their full potential, and when organizations are more focused on driving results.”

Looking back, Kathi considers her most influential mentor to be Jack Besser, who was a Senior Vice President at Kimberly-Clark.  “Early in my career at KC, it was a very male dominated environment.  Jack took me under his wing (like a daughter) and he gave me feedback on how I was doing, how I interacted or presented in meetings, how I should dress, and the importance of meeting with customers to hear and understand where they are coming from.  He would make sure at KC events, that I sat at the head table with Darwin Smith, the Chairman and CEO  of KC at the time, which was a bit frightening, but provided great opportunities to listen to Darwin  share his highest priorities for KC.” She recalls. “His advice to me and other new KC’ers, was that the “Harder you work, the luckier you get”, which is as true today as it was back in the 70’s/80’s.”

Join us in celebrating with her at the Event: Celebrating Business on Nov. 5.  Click here to reserve your tickets.

The post Kathi Seifert Earns Joyce Bytof Exceptional Mentor of the Year Award appeared first on Fox Cities Chamber Blog.

Kathi also been a mentor to many young entrepreneurs in our community, giving advice and guidance to ensure they grow to be leaders and successful organizations within the region.

In addition to her incredibly caring attitude toward others and our community, Kathi has used her talent, enthusiasm, and passion to positively touch thousands of lives.

Join us in celebrating with her at the Event: Celebrating Business on Nov. 5.  Click here to reserve your tickets.

The post appeared first on Fox Cities Chamber Blog.

Join us in celebrating with her at the Event: Celebrating Business on Nov. 5.  Click here to reserve your tickets.

The post Congratulations Leota Ester-Fox Cities Chamber Business Hall of Fame inductee appeared first on Fox Cities Chamber Blog.

Jason’s dream is for his company to have a major impact on the community.  He aspires to follow in the footsteps of business leaders that have had a significant impact on the community and to bring economic prosperity to the area.  he has witnessed business owners turning their attention to the community when they are at peace with their finances.

Congratulate Jason on his LinkedIn page.

Join us in celebrating with him at the Event: Celebrating Business on Nov. 5.  Click here to reserve your tickets.

The post Jason Henderson earns Young Professional of the Year honor appeared first on Fox Cities Chamber Blog.

Walter has served as past Chairman of the Board of ThedaCare and Chairman of the ThedaCare Center for Health Care value. Walter was also Chairman of the Community Foundation of the Fox Valley Region and was the recipient of the Walter L Rugland Community Service Award.

Walter was the founding Director of Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and Secretary/Treasurer until 2014. He was the Chairman of the Board of the Fox Cities Building for the Arts. is the past Chairman of the Board of the Community Blood Center. Walter’s committment to bettering our community is admirable.

Join us in celebrating with him at the Event: Celebrating Business on Nov. 5.  Click here to reserve your tickets.

The post Walter S. Rugland earns Gus A. Zuehlke Distinguished Service Award appeared first on Fox Cities Chamber Blog.

Beginning his career in 1973 first as a laborer and later as an estimator, David G. Voss, Jr. became one of the principal owners of Miron Construction in1979, along with Patrick Voss and Greg Kippenhan.

As President & CEO of Miron, David has in-depth involvement in the daily operations of the company and participates in all aspects of corporate management.

His community involvement is legendary, giving generously of his time and talent to St. Mary Parish in Menasha and St. Mary Central High School in Neenah. He is also a past president of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Wisconsin.

David is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Stout and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology with a concentration in Building Construction Management and graduated magna cum laude.

The Voss legacy goes back to 1949, when David Voss, Sr. was one of five stockholders in the company, and continues with David G. Voss, Jr.’s children: David III, Daniel, Michael and Katie, who currently all work for the company.

Congratulate Dave on Miron’s Facebook pages.

Join us in celebrating with him at the Event: Celebrating Business on Nov. 5.  Click here to reserve your tickets.

The post Dave G. Voss, Jr. is inducted into the Fox Cities Chamber Business Hall of Fame appeared first on Fox Cities Chamber Blog.

A life lived thoughtfully, purposefully, and with few regrets; emphasizing family, business, hard work, integrity, community, physical, spiritual and personal enrichment while helping others achieve their goals, is the personal mission of the 2014 ATHENA Award winner, Margaret LeBrun.

As co-founder, co-publisher and executive editor of Insight Publications since 2007, Margaret has taken her lifelong experience as a journalist and community-minded individual and worked with her business partner, Brian Rasmussen, to create a sophisticated, high-quality business-to-business media company that employs eight people and partners with many others to accomplish its goals. While leading her editorial team to meet perpetual deadlines for their publications and events, Margaret finds a way to contribute to collaborative efforts that improve our regional economy and our community, sandwiching her work between family and community commitments.

Margaret serves on the New North Marketing & Branding Committee, the New North Summit Planning Committee and has participated in the New North Small Business & Entrepreneur Committee. Soon after launching Insight Margaret was invited to serve on the Fox Cities Workforce Development Board, a position she held for three years. During that period, Margaret also sat on the corporate board of   Goodwill North Central Wisconsin.  In 2012, Margaret was invited to join the Corporate Board of the YMCA of the Fox Cities and also serves on its Diversity, Inclusion and Global Service Committee.

Actively assisting others in realizing their full leadership potential, Margaret is attuned to reaching out to others aspiring to grow in their careers. She has been actively involved in an informal “First Thursdays” women’s networking group, which meets monthly and invites women in career transitions or owners of new small businesses to meet with the core group of women already plugged into the community.  Margaret considers herself very fortunate to have spent quality time with many community and business leaders and often takes their advice to heart. She looks up to Kathi Seifert of New North, Cheryl Perkins of InnovationEdge, Cathie Tierney and Beth Davis of Community First, Kim Bassett-Heitzmann of Bassett Mechanical and many others as role models.

In her earlier career, working at the Syracuse Newspapers, one of her roles included writing coach to others on the staff. Working with young writers, interns and graduate students from Syracuse University’s S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Margaret was passionate about empowering others to do their best work. She also took a special interest in reporting on women’s issues, becoming acquainted with some of the founders of the National Organization for Women (NOW), including Syracuse lawyer Karen De Crow. Margaret has won numerous awards for her writing, including first place in the National Association of Sunday and Feature Editors Contest, second place in the National Big Brothers, Big Sisters Writing Contest and first place from the New York State Associated Press for features writing.

To feed her interest in helping others when she lived in upstate New York, she took on a multitude of volunteer roles such as the Newspapers in Education program and tutoring English to new immigrants through Literacy Volunteers of America.

In 1998, Margaret and her husband, Dave Allen, moved their family back to her home state of Wisconsin. While working as an editor with the Fox Cities Newspapers and raising their two young boys, she volunteered in the Readers are Leaders program at Edna Ferber Elementary School, taught religion each week at St. Thomas More Catholic Church and knocked on doors for political campaigns. Most recently she worked to find a way to help bring their former high school exchange student back to the area from Palestine to study at St. Norbert College.

It takes bold initiative, experience seeing creative projects to fruition and a dollop of hutzpah to start a small business. It takes commitment and grit to put in the hours required to will a small business to succeed. Margaret embodies just that and manages it all by living a balanced life – holding sacred daily exercise, family dinners, time to enjoy nature, music, travel and at least two weeks of family vacation every year.  Easy is not a word that defines the delicate balancing act of combining work, family, community, friends and spiritual pursuits, but Margaret strives to combine her interests, experience and obligations to contribute what she can in her own way.

Submitted by Mary Hosmer, Insurance Resource Consulting Group, LLC

Congratulate Margaret on her Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages.

Join us in celebrating with her at the Event: Celebrating Business on Nov. 5.  Click here to reserve your tickets.

The post Margaret LeBrun, Insight Publications, receives 2014 ATHENA Award appeared first on Fox Cities Chamber Blog.