Menomonee Falls-based Wil-Kil Pest Control recently purchased Max, a rescue beagle certified and trained to detect bed bugs and their eggs.
According to Randy Allen, regional manager at Wil-Kil, Max replaces work that was previously done by flashlights, the human eye and pesticides, with only at a 35-percent efficiency rate.
“Max is great. He is trained to detect live bed bugs in any surface and does so above a 90-percent efficiency rate,” Allen said. “He also saves time and money because he can pinpoint the direct source of the bugs and we can usually avoid chemical treatment of the whole room.”
Max was professionally trained at the J&K Canine Academy in Florida. He is trained to tell the difference between live bed bugs and dead ones, thereby assisting the company in doing post-treatment inspections to determine if the infestation problem was taken care of, Allen said.
“He goes through a pretty rigorous training regime on a daily basis,” Rick Schoening, technical specialist and Max’s company handler, said. “Each day, he has to find bed bugs before he can eat, that’s his reward.”
Prior to obtaining Max, the company was reactionary, rather than proactive about detecting bed bugs, Allen said.
A destination in the hospitality industry would call explaining they had a problem with bed bugs, and sometimes an entire floor would have to be closed down and treated for the infestation. With Max on the case, Wil-Kil can zero in on the exact source of the bed bug problem.
“We can bring Max in to do a sweep of the rooms, and pinpoint exact locations where the infestation has begun before it spreads elsewhere in the hotel,” Schoening said. “We can heat treat a single room and have it open again the next day to do the post-treatment inspection. We couldn’t do that with traditional treatment, rooms could be closed off for days or even weeks.”
Max has given the company a competitive advantage in the marketplace, Allen said.
“He’s the only dog for hire in the state of Wisconsin that does what he can do,” he said. “Plus, clients like him, and they trust his instincts. His calendar is full, so he’s been great for business.”
To view a webcast interview with Allen, Schoening and to see Max in action, click on the video link below.

Do you have a question about your business that you would like to pose to an expert and gain some free advice? BizTimes Milwaukee will soon launch a new feature, “Ask Harry,” in which readers can ask questions to Harry S. Dennis III, the chairman and chief executive officer of TEC Wisconsin/Michigan. TEC is a professional development group for chief executive officers, presidents and business owners. Dennis also is a columnist for BizTimes Milwaukee. Dennis provides insights about business execution and operational strategies. The names of the people asking the question will not be disclosed to readers without their permission. Send your question about business to steve.jagler@biztimes.com.

Gov. Jim Doyle announced that Promentis Pharmaceuticals Inc. in Milwaukee will receive a $250,000 Technology Venture Fund loan from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce to continue development of pharmaceuticals that treat psychiatric and neurological disorders.
“Promentis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is exactly the type of company our state should be investing in – companies that are developing innovative solutions in the biotechnology industry,” Doyle said. “I am pleased we can assist this company in its growth and development.”
Promentis Pharmaceuticals. is developing pharmaceuticals for the treatment of major psychiatric, behavioral and neurological disorders. The initial focus of the company will be to develop a novel class of antipsychotic medications for the treatment of schizophrenia. The company is currently in the process of developing a high throughput platform for future clinical trials and will use the funds for working capital and to continue testing the new product class.

The Milwaukee Downtown BID #21 is seeking nominations for its 2010 Downtown Achievement Awards. These awards recognize the efforts of corporations, individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond in revitalizing Milwaukee’s central business district. Representatives from the Milwaukee Downtown Board of Directors, Collaborative Downtown Marketing Group and BID #21’s Marketing Committee will select the winners from a pool of community nominations.  Awards will be presented at the organization’s annual meeting on Thursday, April 15.
Last year’s recipients included: City Hall Restoration Project, winner of the Brick and Mortar Award; Cecilia Gilbert of the Department of Public Works, winner of the Downtown Cheerleader Award; The Brewery, winner of the CPR Award; RC Schmidt, winner of the Dining and Entertainment Award; Madison Medical Affiliates, winner of the Corporate Citizen Award; and the Marquette Interchange Project, winner of a Special Recognition Award. Nominations for the 2010 Downtown Achievement Awards should be sent to executive director Beth Nicols at bethn@milaukeedowntown.com

The Tripoli Circus is coming to Milwaukee on Thursday, Feb. 25, through Sunday, Feb. 28, and Sprecher Root Beer is joining in the fun with a limited edition root beer label and a free ticket offer.
Each bottle of Tripoli Circus Root Beer is $1.25 and is available at the Sprecher Brewery Gift Shop, 701 W.Glendale Ave, Glendale. Those who purchase two four packs will receive a free ticket to the Tripoli Circus, a $12 value.

Will Allen, founder and chief executive officer of Growing Power, was recently one of three featured speakers at First Lady Michelle Obama’s announcement about her national initiative to fight childhood obesity- Let’s Move. 
Allen joined Dr. Judith Palfrey, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics and Willis Johnson, mayor of Hernando, Miss., the region with the highest childhood obesity rate in the nation. The announcement called attention to the need for children to have healthier schools, more exercise, access to affordable healthy food and the knowledge to make healthier choices on their own.
Allen spoke about the need to create new infrastructure to grow food in cities and new networks to channel food from diversified local farms into communities in order to improve access to fresh foods.
“We need to look at this as a critical challenge from birth, even from before birth,” Allen said. “From pre-natal nutrition to what children are being fed in daycare centers, to kindergarten and all through the grades, we have to ask ourselves why we are settling for poor food for our children. We have to institutionalize good food in our schools, and not only in the cafeteria but in our teaching every day.”
He also discussed the need to be able to grow food year-round despite some harsh climates. Check out the focus of the Let’s Move initiative here: http://letsmove.gov/

In commemoration of the company’s 30-year history, Milwaukee-based Midland Video Productions has launched a company blog that features a series of videos and outtakes from the production company’s archives. This week, Midland Video reminisces about its time spent, on multiple occasions, with the iconic Ronald McDonald character. Check out this week’s blog here: www.midlandvideo.com/blog 

Rambo named chairman of Wisconsin health data project
Larry Rambo, regional chief executive officer of Humana, has been elected chairman of the nonprofit Wisconsin Health Information Organization, a collaborative group of insurers, hospitals, physicians, major employers, health care quality organizations and government agencies.
In November, the group launched one of the largest and most comprehensive sources of comparative health information in the United States, and it is currently in the process of expanding the data project.
The organization has created the WHIO Health Analytics Exchange to deliver actionable information to those on the front lines of the health care system.
Rambo is among the founders of the Wisconsin Health Information Organization. The WHIO Health Analytics Exchange is based on de-identified patient claims data that can be used to analyze health system and individual physician performance based on hundreds of variables.
The Exchange pools the experiences of more than 1.6 million people and 72 million treatment services. The resulting data can be used to identify gaps in care for the treatment of chronic conditions, cost per episode of care, population health issues, preventable hospital re-admissions and variations in generic prescribing.
“The Wisconsin Health Information Organization enables health care providers, insurers and employers to deliver greater value, accuracy and quality, which all result in better care for Wisconsin residents,” Rambo said. “This voluntary collaboration proves that meaningful change can happen at the local level. And, we look forward to expanding the program as additional health systems and health plans recognize the benefits of participation.”

Robertson receives Wind Lake Chamber award
Burton Robertson, an entrepreneur operating Mega Music DJ Services, ImagiMarketing, Send Out Cards and The Cash Coupon in Waterford, is the recipient of the 2009 Outstanding Business of the Year Award by the Wind Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Robertson, a retired firefighter, is a serial entrepreneur who manages four successful business entities while strengthening and building the WLCC.
Robertson’s passion for marketing has been instrumental in reinventing a 35-year WLCC tradition, a family event recently re-coined the FestiBazaar.
He is the current vice president of the WLCC, chair of the FestiBazaar committee, WLCC webmaster and handles most of the administrative tasks of the chamber.
“I get a lot of help and support from my wife, Holly Robertson, who is the owner of these businesses and provides quite a bit of input,” Robertson said.

Accounting
Komisar Brady & Co. LLP, Milwaukee, announced that Matthew Engelhardt, and Allison Radloff have joined the firm as staff accountants; and Carl Rappelt has joined the firm’s audit department. Lori Jurgensen was also hired as an executive assistant.

RitzHolman CPAs, Milwaukee, has promoted Matthew Rios, CPA, to partner of the firm. Rios is a member of the tax and outsourcing teams and has been with the firm since 1997.

Architecture
Eppstein Uhen Architects, Milwaukee has hired Matthew Hall, CPA, as the firm’s chief financial officer.

 AG Architecture, Inc., Wauwatosa, has added Nicholas Mischo, Jacek Flejsierowicz, Jerry Mortier, Kevin Wall and Scott Calmes to its architectural team, and Diane Olsen to the office support staff.

Banking & Finance
North Shore Bank elected Jay McKenna executive vice president and chief operating officer and Andrew Wallach III chief financial officer of the institution.  McKenna, who has been with the bank since 1999, previously served as its senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer.  Wallach, a 26-year veteran of the bank, was previously senior vice president.

Tom Steinhaus, manager of credit underwriting/government guaranteed loans has been named an Officer of Heartland Business Bank, Sheboygan. 

First Business Bank, Milwaukee, has announced that W. Kent Lorenz, president of the Midwest region of Ellison Technologies has joined its board of directors.

North Shore Bank, Brookfield, has named Joshua King as manager of the bank’s West Allis branch. King brings several years of banking experience to his new position.

Building & Construction
TRIAD Construction, West Allis, has hired Sheila Semrou as business development manager, and Gary Gapinski as vice president of sales.

Consulting
Joseph Mentzer has joined Endpoint Solutions, Hales Corners, as a senior engineer focusing on above ground storage tank design, permitting and compliance.

Education
Jodie Tonner was named director of advancement for University School of Milwaukee.  Tonner joined the USM Advancement Department in 1994 as Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations. 

“…all modes of transportation in Wisconsin - buses, highways, bicycles, harbors, etc. - are subsidized through the state's $6.8 billion transportation fund. And to put the cost of new highways in perspective, adding one lane to Interstate 94 between Milwaukee and the Illinois line is costing $1.9 billion - twice the cost of the rail line.”
~ from Mike Ivey, columnist with The Cap Times in Madison
Read the full Milwaukee BizBlog: State Legislature could ‘just say no’ to high-speed rail

Check out the week ahead surrounding Milwaukee's performing arts and music scene by visiting Third Coast Digest, a media partner of BizTimes Milwaukee.

1. “Seven Lessons for Leading in Crisis” by Bill George and Warren Bennis
2. “Crush It!” by Gary Vaynerchuk
3. “I Love You More Than My Dog” by Jeanne Bliss
4. “Rich Dad's Increase Your Financial IQ” by Robert T Kiyosaki and Jake Johnson
5. “Behind the Cloud” by Marc Benioff and Carlye Adler
Courtesy of 800 CEO Read

• Friday, Feb. 19, The Independent Business Association will host its monthly breakfast event to discuss The Looming Crisis at Milwaukee Public Schools at the Wisconsin Club, 900 W. Wisconsin Ave. from 7 to 9 a.m. Cory Nettles, managing director of Generation Growth Capitol, Inc., will speak at the event. Cost to attend is $20 for IBA members and $35 for non members. Register online here: http://www.ibaw.com/
• Tuesday, Feb. 23, Think Tank Live! Milwaukee 2010, Search and Social Media Summit at the Country Springs Hotel, 2810 Golf Road, Waukesha from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Speakers include an array of experienced digital marketing professionals from the Milwaukee and Chicago areas who can provide content rich programs that are useful for today’s business leaders, marketers, and communications specialists. The seminar will focus on educating people on how to utilize the internet and social media for strategic business and marketing goals. Cost to attend is $225 until Feb. 18 and $275 at the door. For more information or to register visit the IM Think Tank website at http://www.thinktanklive.com.
• Tuesday, Feb. 23 A.B.L.E South will present a LinkedIn training seminar at the Knights of Columbus building, 3200 S. 103rd St, beginning at 1 p.m. Wayne Breitbarth, president of M&M Office Interiors will present at the event. Cost to attend is $10 for A.B.L.E South members and $20 for non members. To register call the UWM School of continuing education at 414-227-3098.
• Thursday, Feb. 25, BizTimes Media will present its Wellness Summit, Strategies for a healthy workforce event at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, 509 W. Wisconsin Ave. from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Session leaders include Nick Neitzel, community wellness director for the Wisconsin Athletic Club; Jo Steinberg, president of Midland Health; and Connie Roethel, R.N., wellness expert and president of Core Health Group. Learn tools and strategies from local experts that you can implement now to save money and increase productivity in your own business. Cost to attend is $45 per person or $450 for a corporate table of ten. For more information visit www.biztimes.com/wellness.
• Wednesday, Feb. 24 The Waukesha County Chamber of Commerce and the Sustainable Water Supply Coalition will host a seminar entitled Water—The Commodity of Tomorrow at the Crowne Plaza Milwaukee-Wauwatosa, 10499 Innovation Drive from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.. Panelists include Dale Shaver, director of parks and land use in Waukesha County; Rich Meeusen, president and CEO of Badger Meter and John Austen of Brookings Institute. Cost to attend is $40 for chamber members or $50 for non chamber members. Visit www.waukesha.org/calendar to register.
• Wednesday, March 3 DeWitt Ross & Stevens will present The Facebook Frenzy: How to Deal with Your Employees’ Newest On-the-Clock Pastime at the Brookfield Suites Hotel, 1200 S. Moorland Road, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Mindy Rowland and Michele Perreault from DeWitt Ross & Stevens will present. This presentation will provide guidance on how to deal with employees’ use of Facebook and other networking sites, including advice on drafting comprehensive policies and appropriate discipline methods to ensure no repeat offenders. We will also address the trend toward shutting down Facebook and twitter access at work as a potential solution, as well as touching upon how employers can use Facebook and similar sites to your advantage. The seminar is part of an ongoing series of seminars called HR Roundtable. To register for the free Brookfield seminar, go to www.dewittross.com and register under Events or send an e-mail to hrroundtable@dewittross.com or call 608-252-9330

The Council of Small Business Executives (COSBE) recently hosted a forum with business publication editors, including the editor of BizTimes Milwaukee.

Check out this week's BizTimes Around Town

Respond to the BizTimes Poll Question: Would a high-speed rail route between Milwaukee and Madison be a worthy investment?

• Thursday, Feb. 11 through Sunday, Feb. 14 The 2010 Milwaukee NARI Home Improvement Show will be held at the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave. Cost to attend is $6 to $10. For more information visit the NARI website: http://www.milwaukeenari.org/2010-home-improvement-show.php
• Friday, Feb. 12 Tango heats up Oakland Ave., at the Open Book bookstore, 4093 N. Oakland Ave., from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. Argentine Tango will perform at the store, and guests can get introduced to the dance by Elixir Dancers, featuring former North Shor resident Nina Tatarowicz. Live music will be played by Quinteto Yzafa of Madison.Tatarowicz currently teaches and performs tango in Chicago and Buenos Aires.The doors open at 7:00pm and the performance begins at 8:00pm. Refreshments will be served.The performance will be followed by tango lessons and a dance.Tickets are available at the store and cost to attend is $10 for Open Book members in advance or $15 at the door, $15 for nonmembers and cabaret seating
• Saturday, Feb. 13 The Milwaukee Wave take on the Rockford Rampage at the U.S. Cellular Arena. Game begins at 6 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 14 The Conservatory of Music will hold a Valentine’s Day Conservatory Sunday performance celbrating all the aspects of love performed in many languages. The concert will feature voice faculty members Kathleen Sonnentag, Marlee Sabo, Kathleen Matts, Jenny Gettel, J. Mark Baker, and Robin Pluer. Tickets are only $5.00 and can be purchased in advance by calling 276-5760. Concerts are held at the Conservatory, located at 1584 North Prospect Ave.

• African American Chamber of Commerce Milwaukee
• American Marketing Association-Milwaukee Chapter
• Business Marketing Association-Milwaukee
• Conservative Young Professionals of Milwaukee
• Executive Women International-Milwaukee Chapter
• FUEL Milwaukee
• Grandville-Brown Deer Chamber of Commerce
• Greater Brookfield Chamber of Commerce
• Mequon-Thiensville Chamber of Commerce
• Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC)
• National Association of Women Business Owners
• Professional Dimensions
• Public Relations Society of America - Wisconsin Chapter,
• South Suburban Chamber of Commerce
• Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce
• Tempo Waukesha
• Tempo Milwaukee
• Waukesha County Chamber of Commerce
• Waukesha Young Professionals
• Wisconsin Better Business Bureau
• YP Impact