Wisconsin Department of Commerce secretary Richard Leinenkugel and Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Network state director Gayle Kugler announced the winners of the inaugural year of Wisconsin Companies to Watch. 
Five metro-Milwaukee area businesses were selected including:

• Bradshaw Medical Inc., Kenosha
• CORE Consulting LLC, Thiensville
• Lauterbach Group, Sussex
• PhysioGenex Inc., Wauwatosa
• Zeon Solutions Inc., Milwaukee.

“I’m pleased that we could join the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Network in recognizing these dynamic, innovative companies,” said Leinenkugel.  “I’m confident that we will be watching and benefiting from their achievements in the years to come.”Companies to Watch is an awards program developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation to honor second-stage companies that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace, exhibit innovative products, services or processes, or otherwise make their company “worth watching.”
“Companies to Watch recognizes companies at the crucial stage of growth where financial potential, concept and management have been established, and attracting talented workers, solid vendor relationships and access to peer learning are key components of future growth,” said Kugler. 
The Edward Lowe Foundation’s studies have shown second-stage companies are the ones who generate jobs and economic growth in their communities, Kugler said.
Winners will have an opportunity to attend a complimentary three-day Leadership Retreat, hosted by the Edward Lowe Foundation at their Michigan headquarters this summer. The facilitated peer-learning retreat is created specifically for leaders of second-stage growth-oriented companies and gives them the opportunity to tap into the collective wisdom of the group. Winners from other state’s CTW programs will be invited as well.

The complete list of the 2010 Wisconsin Companies to Watch:

• Alice.com Inc., Middleton
• Beehive Botanicals Inc., Hayward
• BioSentinel Pharmaceuticals LLC, Madison
• Bradshaw Medical Inc., Kenosha
• Broadjam, Madison
• CORE Consulting LLC, Thiensville
• EraGen Biosciences Inc., Madison
• Fiberstar Inc., River Falls
• FluGen Inc., Madison
• Green 3 , Oshkosh
• Idle Free Systems Inc, Madison
• Interfacial Solutions , River Falls
• Lauterbach Group, Sussex
• LMI Packaging Solutions Inc., Pleasant Prairie
• MailFoundry , Green Bay
• NeoClone LLC , Madison
• NeuWave Medical Inc., Madison
• New Glarus Brewing Company, New Glarus
• PercipEnz Technologies Inc., Madison
• PhysioGenix Inc., Milwaukee
• PreventionGenetics LLC , Marshfield
• Quintessence Biosciences Inc., Madison
• River Town Ironworks Inc., Prairie du Chien
• RoomPro Technologies, Wisconsin Rapids
• Semba Biosciences Inc., Madison
• Standard Imaging Inc., Middleton
• The Payroll Company Inc., Middleton
• Visonex LLC , Green Bay
• Wisconsin Specialty Protein, Reedsburg
• Zeon Solutions Inc., Milwaukee

 The Business Marketing Association-Milwaukee recently hosted its Fourth Annual Lightning Round interview workshop for college and university students in the area.
According to Randy Will, university outreach committee chair for the BMA, nearly 100 students from area schools attended the speed networking event, a record for the organization.
“The event is really designed to bring students together with business and marketing professionals in the area,” Will said. “We were pleased to have almost 50 local professionals involved in getting to know the area’s future leaders.”
The event was hosted at the Eisner Museum and allowed students to have their resumes and their social media profiles reviewed by a professional. Students were also paired with a business professional for a sit down ‘speed dating’ type mock interview.
“During the interviews we like to ask the tough questions that a typical college graduate would face in an actual interview,” said Joe Knop, president of the BMA. “There isn’t a lot of time in these speed interviews, but the point is to get them thinking on their feet and starting to learn how to leave the interviewer with a positive impression.”
To see video from the BMA interview workshop click here.

Kohl’s Corp.’s Kohl’s Cares for Kids program recently donated $725,000 to Children’s Hospital and Health System, part of which funded a new exhibit at the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum that will open Saturday, Feb. 27.The exhibit, a giant game board, was done in partnership with Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and challenges kids to make healthy decisions

"Kohl's continues to strive to make a positive difference through our Kohl's Cares for Kids platform across the country and in our hometown, and we are pleased to partner with two prominent Milwaukee-area organizations to benefit the collective community," said Julie Gardner, Kohl's executive vice president and chief marketing officer. "Kohl's, Children's Hospital and Health System and the Betty Brinn Children's Museum are all focused on teaching local kids the importance of health and safety. By teaming together, we've pooled our strengths to help accomplish greater things for area kids and families."
The 2,000-square-foot exhibit features a giant game board where kids can learn the good and the bad of health-related decisions, learn about nutrition, activity and rest and safety and personal care. 
"Thanks to the generosity of Kohl's and our continuing partnership with Children's Hospital and Health System, we are able to provide preschoolers and older children alike with fun and engaging ways to explore the elements of healthy living, and help caregivers reinforce with children the importance of making good health-related choices," said Carolyn Rydlewicz, associate director of educational programs for the Betty Brinn Children's Museum.
The Kohl's Healthy Kids: It's Your Move! exhibit is free with regular admission and will be at the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum for the next five years. Admission is $6 per person and $5 for seniors. Children younger than one are free. For more information, call 414-390-KIDS (5437) or visit www.bbcmkids.org.

The Downtown Racine Corporation has decided that the 2010 downtown public art project will feature clocks created by Racine-based Fiber-Tech Manufacturing, which fabricates custom molded composite components and assemblies for diverse markets. The fiberglass clocks are 28 inches in diameter and weigh approximately 8 pounds each.  There is housing for the clock mechanism on the back of each clock and the face of the clock is concave. 
“The clocks will give us all time to relax and enjoy Racine’s local artistic talents,” said Terry Leopold, DRC’s special events coordinator. The artfully decorated clocks will adorn the streets of Downtown Racine throughout the summer. This will be the ninth year for the public art project.
Artist Design packets are now available for artists interested in designing one of the clocks. 
A panel of judges will review all of the designs that have been submitted and determine the finalists for the 2010 Public Art Event. 
Finalists will be awarded a $100 stipend to cover some of their costs. Cash prizes will also be awarded to those artists winning the “Best of Show” as determined by a panel of judges. The first place winner will be awarded $2,000; the second place winner will be awarded $1,000; and the third place winner will be awarded $500.
The DRC is also calling for nominations for its “Name the Event” contest. Participants should try to come up with a name that captures the essence of and describes the 2010 Public Art Event. All name contest and artist design entries must be submitted to the DRC by Friday, March 5 at 5 p.m. For more information visit www.racinedowntown.com

Pewaukee-based Peak Performance Personal Training is offering a nationally recognized wellness program called The Corporate Fit Challenge to local groups and businesses. The program is a combination of coaching, workouts, nutrition support, accountability and challenge. The average participant loses 9.6 lbs in the 6-week program.  
“We are honored to shape up area businesses,” said Doug Krueger, owner of Peak Performance and the local chapter of the Corporate Fit Challenge. “It’s a win-win situation. The challenge helps reduce health care costs, improves work productivity and creates happier, healthier employees.”
The goal is to help create healthier workplaces by inspiring change in diet and exercise, Krueger said.
The initiative is led by certified fitness professions at Peak Performance Personal Training. For more information or to secure a spot for your business in the winter season of Corporate Fit Challenges call 866-305-8575.

Sprecher Brewing Company has partnered with Saz’s Catering to offer Friday fish frys and a tour. Beginning Friday, March 5 the 5p.m. brewery tour will be followed by a fish fry buffet from Saz’s Catering. The fish fry tour is scheduled to run the first Friday of every month. The buffet menu will include: Sprecher pub ale fried cod, chicken tenders, penne pasta, Saz’s sour cream and chive fries, rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, Sprecher beer bread rolls, rye bread, soup and salad bar, cole slaw, fresh fruit salad and a dessert bar featuring Sprecher Root Beer cookies and Orange Dream brownies.
Cost of the fish fry tour is $24.95 for adults and includes a commemorative glass and four beer samples or unlimited soda and food. Cost for children ages 3 to 11 is $11.95.
Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Sprecher Gift Shop, 414.964.7837.

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 revisits a Wisconsin Gas commercial shot with Milwaukee Bucks star Bob Lanier. Check out this week’s blog here: www.midlandvideo.com/blog

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.

Name: Jon Ollmann       
Title:  Market manager of southeast Wisconsin and northern Illinois
Company:  TDS
Company address:  20875 Crossroads Circle, Suite 800, Waukesha, WI  53186
Company web site:  www.tdsbusiness.com
Industry:  Telecommunications
Education:  BA in mass communications, ’93, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Hobbies and Interests: “Music, exercise, golf, travel, Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, friends and family.”
Favorite book and/or movie:  “Big Russ and Me,” Field of Dreams (movie)
Favorite musician/band: “(current) Ray LaMontagne, Jack Johnson, Cold Play
(old school) Outfield, the Cure.”
Favorite place to visit/vacation:  Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Favorite local restaurant:  Trocadero, Bosley on Brady, Crazy Water
Words to live by: 
1) “There is no right way to do something wrong”
2) “Shoot for perfection and hopefully grab excellence in the process.”
What is your core philosophy for doing business? 
“Provide quality products at a fair and reasonable price that create a unique and positive customer experience. Under promise and over deliver to your customer.  Hire and surround yourself with people smarter than yourself and get out of their way!”
Who is your role model and why? 
“I have many but one in the local business community is Preston Cole, operations director, city of Milwaukee. He has a unique combination of professionalism, leadership, vision, style, humility and tact.  He has been a great friend and mentor.”
What was the funniest thing that has ever happened to you?
“I ran full speed into an outfield brick wall trying to catch a fly ball during a baseball game.  Not so funny at the time, funny now.  Explains a lot of things present day.”

Advertising & Public Relations
Sheboygan-based Jacobson Rost added Tom Gorton as creative director. He has more than two decades of award-winning creative experience working with leading global brands such as Kellogg’s, McDonald’s, Nintendo, Samsung, Procter & Gamble, Western Union and Kraft.

Vollrath Associates, Milwaukee, has added Annie Almasi to its firm as an account executive.

Design
Marilynn Dal Porto, Milwaukee property stylist and principal of the design firm A Feathered Nest, was honored with a gold medal for Best Interior Design – Remodel  as a part of the 2009 Residential Design Awards competition held by Milwaukee Home & Fine Living magazine. 

Education
Erica Gumieny has joined the UW-Milwaukee School of Continuing Education as the manager of corporate development. 

Donna Gastevich has been appointed vice president for external relations at Mount Mary College, Milwaukee. In her role she will oversee development, alumnae relations, marketing/public relations and the Women’s Leadership Institute for the college.

Giannina Vernon has been hired as a clinical instructor of nursing in Concordia University Wisconsin Mequon’s School of Human Services. Vernon will be responsible for teaching pharmacology to undergraduate nursing students.

The board of directors of St. Thomas More High School, Milwaukee, has announced the appointment of Todd Sobotka to the position of interim chief executive officer of the school. 

Fitness Centers
The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee has hired Mara Duckens as assistant vice president of financial development. Prior to joining the YMCA, Duckens worked at COA Youth & Family Centers as the Director of Development.

“In a recession, you find out who your friends are, and loyalty should be rewarded when the economy rebounds.”
~ David Griffith, CEO of Cross Town Machining in Muskego, and a member of the COSBE board of directors.
Read the full Milwaukee BizBlog: Lessons learned from the Great Recession and find out what other COSBE members learned.

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. “Linchpin,” by Seth Godin, Jessica Hagy, Hugh MacLeod
2. “Live It, Love It, Earn It,” by Mariana Olszewski
3. “Return of the Gold,” by Dan Bickley
4. “Crush It!,” by Gary Vaynerchuk
5. “What Got You Here Won't Get You There,” by Marshall Goldsmith, Mark Reiter

Courtesy of 800 CEO Read

• 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. The event 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 their 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
• Wednesday, March 24 YP Impact will host a networking event at 88 Keys Piano Martini Lounge, 7211 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, from 6 to 9 p.m. Complimentary appetizers and cash bar will be available, cost to attend is $10 for nonmembers. To register visit: www.ypimpact.org
• Thursday, April 8 Marquette University and Comet Branding team up to offer PR+Social Media Summit at Marquette University Alumni Memorial Union from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The one day summit will focus on the convergence of strategic communications and social media. The exact topics for the event have not yet been decided but it will include speakers from companies like IBM, BlendTec/Will it Blend, Jockey International, Trek Bicycles, Marcus Hotels & Resorts, PitchEngine.com, Big Shoes Network, Lightburn, Radio Milwaukee, and Radian 6. Cost to attend the event is $75 for professionals and $10 for students with a valid ID. All post-expense proceeds from the event will go towards a scholarship for Marquette’s PRSSA chapter. A post event Tweetup will also be hosted by Clear at the Intercontinental Hotel Milwaukee. For more information about the event visit www.prsmsummit.com or follow the event on Twitter at Twitter.com/prsmsummit or using the Twitter Hashtag #prsms.
• Thursday, April 29 The Annual BMA Bell Awards Ceremony will take place at the Bell Lounge at Potawatomi Bingo & Casino beginning at 5 p.m. For more information or to register for the event visit bmabellawards.com

The Council of Small Business Executives (COSBE) recently held its annual holiday party at the newly renovated headquarters of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) in downtown Milwaukee. Due to the renovations, the party was held in February.

Check out this week's BizTimes Around Town

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• Saturday, Feb. 20 through Sunday Feb. 28 The Greater Milwaukee Auto Show at the Midwest Airlines Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave. Cost to attend is $9 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 children.
• Thursday, Feb. 25 through Sunday, Feb. 28 The Tripoli Shrine Circus will take over the U.S. Cellular Arena, 400 W. Kilbourn Ave. Cost to attend ranges between $10.50 and $28.50. Visit the circus website for more information.
• The Urban Economic Development Association’s will host a carnival as its third annual fundraising event on Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Milwaukee County Zoo Peck Welcome Center from 7:30 to 11 p.m. The “party with a purpose” will feature locally owned and operated restaurants and caterers, and cultural music. Attendees are encouraged to dress in cultural or festive attire to highlight the diverse heritage in the city. Cost to attend is $35 a person, it includes food tasting, entertainment and parking. Learn more at www.uedawi.org.