The Water Council education and talent committee will host a connecting talent through internships event on Tuesday, March 23, from 2:30 until 5 p.m at the Manpower Inc. headquarters, 100 Manpower Place, in Milwaukee. The event will bring together executives from some of the area's water companies and students interested in career opportunities and internships within the water technology industry.
“Our whole goal here is to get the word out to these students that there are internships and ultimately jobs in Milwaukee and specifically in the water industry,” said Rich Meeusen, chief executive officer of Brown Deer-based Badger Meter Inc. “As a company I want to find the talent I need here, and the more kids that are getting into the water courses and interested in the water industry the better it is going to be for all of us.”
According to Meeusen, Badger Meter created three internships last summer and will expand that number to five this year.
“I know many companies in the water industry are really stepping up,” Meeusen said.  
According to Dean Amhaus, executive director of the Water Council, the organization is really striving for economic development within the water industry in the area, and part of that goal is talent development in the future leaders of the industry.
“We want to grow the economic base of the business already in the area, but we also want to be able to attract new business to the area and part of making both those things happen is growing and developing the talent in the area and getting them interested in starting careers here,” Amhaus said.
Students who attend the event will have the opportunity to meet with and learn from company executives as well as students who have already completed a water industry internship, said Steve Glynn, owner of Milwaukee-based Spreenkler and one of the event’s organizers.
“People are really getting excited about the potential of the water industry in this area,” Glynn said. “The students are no different. We designed this event to put the students who are interested in those careers in front of executives who have those opportunities available, and we wanted to do it in an informal manner to help them get excited about the opportunity.
Companies like Badger Meter Inc., A.O. Smith, Pentair, Watertech of America, Manpower, Veolia and Northern Lake Service will have representation at the event, along with some newer Wisconsin water companies, Glynn said.
“I think the key here for me is the way you can attract companies to the area is by having two things, synergy and talent,” Meeusen said. “In order for companies to really consider relocating here they want companies they can work with and talent. Why do all the successful financial people find their way to New York? Because that’s where the talent is. Why do students interested in computer technology flock to Silicon Valley? Because that’s where the technology is. We want Milwaukee to be thought of like that for water technology, and we want students in the area to know that they can have a good career here.” 
For more information on the event visit: www.meetup.com/M7Intern/calendar/12831664

The Milwaukee-based Lake Express ferry has opened its 2010 season by offering two ‘ride-free’ deals aimed at providing low-cost travel options for patrons. Kids ride free and a new motorcycles ride free offer will also be available.
“Travelers are just as cost-conscious now as they were last year, and this is our way of continuing to help them through these tough economic times,” said Ken Szallai, president of Lake Express. “The ‘kids ride free’ travel deal was a big help to our riders last year, more than any of us had expected. We’re happy to bring it back this year, along with the new deal for those traveling on motorcycles.” 
The ‘kids ride free’ travel deal allows children under age 17 to ride the ferry for free when accompanied by an adult. It applies only to trips booked before the ferry’s official launch on April 30.
Passengers can also bring their motorcycles onboard this year for no extra charge until June 30.
Lake Express also launched a new online reservation system this season that will make it easier for patrons to purchase and alther their reservations through its website at www.lake-express.com.

The AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series Nielson Enterprises Grand Finale is coming to Grand Geneva Resort Friday, March 19 through Sunday, March 21. Headlining at the event will be Minnesota native, ‘Monster’ Mike Schultz, who has returned to the professional racing circuit after an accident in 2008 resulted in his left leg being amputated above the knee. Schultz competed in the 2009 Summer X-Games with his new prosthetic leg, which he helped design.
Other racers including Wisconsin-native Ross Martin will also race in the event. Gold, Silver and Bronze medal winners from the Winter X-Games in Colorado will also race at the Grand Geneva Resort. In addition to the racing and free style competitions, the event will include a pro autograph session, entertainment by the Monster Energy Sledneck Invasion.
Bleacher seats are free with the price of admission. Weekend passes are $47 for adults and $17 for children ages 7 to 12. Individual day passes can also be purchased.

The 2010 BizTimes Experience Marketing Directory deadline is Monday, March 22. This directory features metropolitan Milwaukee companies that offer services and products to assist in the planning of corporate events, parties, meetings and conferences.
Businesses listed in the directory include venues, hotels, restaurants and caterers, audio-video companies, event planners, resource organizations, promotional products and other companies that can offer assistance with all of your event planning needs. To submit your organization, go to www.biztimes.com/experience.

New Berlin-based International Monetary Systems, Ltd. has announced a new business expansion model that will use internal teleselling agents to complement its existing outside sales force.
"Developing more awareness of our business model and brand is essential in this trying business climate and we feel that allocating more financial resources toward social networking and internet marketing will have a multiplier effect on future growth," said CEO Don Mardak. "This includes partnering with marketing professionals to expand presence within social network sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to both increase brand awareness and draw in potential members, as well as continuing to leverage Google's AdWords network."
In conjunction with fully implementing this internal sales plan, senior management increased funds allocated to expand the online platform for enrollment to enhance future growth potential.

BizTimes Milwaukee announces the winners of the 2010 IQ (Innovation Quotient) Awards. The IQ Awards honor southeastern Wisconsin companies that are generating innovative products, services or processes. The companies must be based in Wisconsin and have a physical presence in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Sheboygan, Racine, Walworth or Kenosha County.
The winners of the 2010 IQ Awards, and their award-winning innovations, are:

• Advanced Waste Services Inc., West Allis – Developed The VacSimizer, a vehicle specifically designed to have the cargo capacity of a 5,000-gallon semi-tanker, yet retain the maneuverability of a straight vacuum truck. The VacSimizer has the largest legal payload in the vacuum truck industry. The key people involved with the project include president Mike Malatesta and Jeff Dean, Jason Derby and Pat Wheaton.
• Bruno Independent Living Aids Inc., Oconomowoc – Invented the TAS-1850 Stow-Away, a powered transfer seat for disabled drivers of pickup trucks and sports utility vehicle. Key personnel at the company include Adam Hooper, project engineer; Scott Uttech, project engineer; Kristopher Lampe, engineer; Andrew Bayer, product manager; and Luke Bebeau, market manager. Michael Bruno II is the company’s president and CEO.
• Fiserv Inc., Brookfield – Developed three key innovations in 2009: the Fiserv Boardroom Series; Person-to-Person Payments; and improvements in online bill payments for customers. Jeff Yabuki is the chief executive officer of the firm.
• GetMOR Enterprises LLC, Oak Creek – Developed a hybrid tax-advantaged health care funding mechanism that provides the savings and portability of a health savings account (HSA), while allowing the flexibility in insurance design of a health reimbursement account (HRA). The partners in the company are Nancy Melcher and J. Matthew Skiles.
• My Health Direct Inc., Brookfield – Developed solution to reduce emergency room overcrowding at health care sites by directing and scheduling patients to appropriate primary care providers. The innovative product helps to control health care costs by reducing emergency room visits. Jay Mason is the chief executive officer of the firm.
• Racine Federated Inc., Racine – Developed the TFX Ultra, which is an ultrasonic flow and energy meter that clamps onto the outside of pipes without contacting the internal liquids. Key people involved with the project include Bob Stevens, Jeff Freiberg, Richard Little, John Erskine III and Mike Scoon. Dave Perkins is the company’s president and CEO.
• Strattec Security Corp., Butler – Invented BOLT Series Locks, which “learn” automotive keys when they are inserted once. Key people involved with the project are Mike Long, Steve Gilles, Erik Dettloff and Kathy Scherbarth, and the chief executive officer is Harry Stratton. Harold M. Stratton II is the company’s chairman and CEO.
• TherapEase Cuisine Inc., Greenfield – Developed the world’s only online nutritional service for cancer patients. The service provides access to critical nutrition strategies in real time. Key people involved with the project are president James Hermann, founder and chief operating officer Vivian Roe and lead oncology dietitian Erin Dummert.
• Uihlein Electric Company Inc., Brookfield – Integrated high-definition television at major health care sites and developed a new Operating Room Personnel Management system, helping companies save energy and costs. Cory Owen is the director of technology systems for the firm. Tim Rigsby is the company’s president.
• Vibrant Graphics, Milwaukee – Pioneered the first use of digital printing in an in-mold-labeling packaging application. The company also was the first U.S. company to offer laminated protection for labels printed on thin, unsupported films. Key people involved with the project include Mike Sewart, Joe Hirtzer, Alex Dott and Roger Wrass. Mike Sewart is the company’s president

The winners of the IQ Awards will be featured in an upcoming edition of BizTimes Milwaukee and will be honored at an awards luncheon on April 29 at the sixth annual BizTech Conference & Expo to be held at Wisconsin State Fair Park.To register to attend the awards luncheon, visit www.biztimes.com/iq.
The BizTech Conference & Expo is the largest business-to-business conference in the state. For additional information, visit www.biztimes.com/expo.

To capitalize on recent business growth in space more suited for its growing digital capabilities, independent marketing communications agency, marketing communications agency Jacobson Rost will move its headquarters from Sheboygan to Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward on May 1.
The move will bring 35 jobs to Milwaukee. The agency plans to add another five to 10 employees to its Milwaukee staff over the next 18 months, while continuing to grow its new Chicago and Boston offices with the addition of another 20 employees.
Jacobson Rost currently employs 55 creative and marketing professionals.    
Located in loft space in the historic Saddlery Building at 233 N. Water St., Jacobson Rost will lease 10,000 square feet of office space. The new office space brings all employees together on one floor.  It features an open-loft design converted from industrial space with bright skylights, natural hardwood floors and a brick-and- timber interior design inspired by the building’s original craftsmen tenants. Designed to promote creativity and transparency, the open-plan layout trades closed offices for collaborative work areas.
After more than five decades in Sheboygan, the agency sought new office space blending modern amenities with old-world charm at a more centralized location to serve its national and Midwestern client base.
“Milwaukee is a great city, with great creative and marketing talent,” says Jerry Flemma, president and chief operating officer for Jacobson Rost.  “As we focus more of our agency growth outside the central U.S. region, finding a location that is easily accessible to transportation while still right in the heart of Wisconsin where we’ve honed our craft just makes sense.” 
The Third Ward has become home to many Wisconsin advertising firms, creative boutiques and professional service agencies, due in part to the area’s thriving business amenities and focus on historic preservation, Flemma said.
BizTimes Media LLC is based in the Third Ward.
“Jacobson Rost has always had an appreciation for historic preservation, and we’re pleased to see the agency will be building on that foundation with new roots in the Third Ward,” said Ann Pieper, principal of Pieper Properties in Milwaukee. “They bring with them an excellent client roster and a talented marketing team, a great match with our current tenant base.”
Along with the headquarters move, Jacobson Rost unveils a new logo and website in keeping with its new brand development process, the addition of new digital services and a refreshed agency culture. The new brand mark features a version of the original “Crown J” logo created by Frank Jacobson when he founded the agency in 1957, but gives it a modern twist.  The more simplified and interactive Jacobson Rost website promotes the agency’s growing digital capabilities, which will include an in-house digital production capability.
The agency represents leading national and regional brands, including Azteca Foods, BOSS Snowplow, Carl Buddig & Company, Clear Lam Packaging, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, Federal Signal, Fisher Nuts, Kalahari Resorts, Killian’s Irish Red, the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, the Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker, Mercury Marine, MillerCoors, Old Wisconsin Food Products, Oster Professional Products, Society Insurance and Sunbeam.

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 rolls through helicopter footage the crew has captured over the years. Check out this week’s blog here.

What are the secrets to great cash flow management? Read BizTime Columnist Harry Dennis’ answer and ask your own questions here.

Name: Steven Glaser
Title: Shareholder
Company: The Schroeder Group, S.C., Attorneys at Law
Company Address:  20800 Swenson Dr., Suite 475, Waukesha, WI 53186
Company Web Site:  www.tsglaw.com
Industry:  Legal
Education: Marquette University Law School, J.D.
UW-Madison, B.A. – English/Political Science
Family: Wife, Kelly and two kids, Michael and Rachel
Hobbies and Interests:  Photography, woodworking, coaching youth football, biking.
Favorite Book and/or Movie:  “Too many to choose from.”
Favorite Musician/Band: Rush and Foo Fighters
Favorite Place to Visit/Vacation: “Any place new (and warm).”
Favorite Local Restaurant:  “Mr. B’s Steakhouse”
Words to Live By: “Treat others as you want to be treated.”
What is your core philosophy for doing business: “Be a trusted advisor and value your clients’ goals above all else, including your personal goals.”
Who is your role model and why?  “My parents – for teaching me that anything is possible if you keep trying, the importance of family and friends, and the value of legacy leadership – planting trees that I will never be able to sit under and enjoy the shade.”
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you? “It wasn’t funny at the time, but I proposed to my wife on the marquee at Mill Road Theaters where we met. I had to drive past the sign three times before she read my proposal and finally said yes.”

Hodges chosen to lead MBA
Following a nationwide search Richard Hodges, has been selected as executive director of the Metropolitan Builders Association.
“Rick Hodges is the ideal person to lead the MBA into the future,” said 2010 MBA president, Tim O’Brien. “In this exciting era of new ideas and new directions at the MBA, Rick’s leadership, management expertise, and passion for our industry will enable the MBA to change the face of the association and blaze a trail into a newly recovering economy.”
Hodges has more than 14 years experience in managing professional associations in the real estate, construction and health care industries. He also has 11 years of experience as an elected official, including service in the Ohio House of Representatives, and a masters degree in public and non-profit administration.
"The MBA required a combination of vision, compassion and management expertise in its leader," said Ann Rodrigues, chairman of the executive officer search committee. "Rick has just this combination. His wealth of private and community experience, track record of management success and commitment to the industry will be valued assets in our ongoing efforts."
Hodges was formerly the chief executive officer of the Tucson Association of Realtors and MLS.
"I am very gratified at having been selected as the MBA's next executive director from a group of highly qualified candidates," said Hodges. "I look forward to working with the board of directors, talented staff, members and communities in the area to represent the association."

Milwaukee Water Council names Amhaus as executive director
The Milwaukee Water Council has selected Dean Amhaus, a veteran nonprofit leader and Milwaukee proponent, as its first executive director.
Amhaus has been promoting the city as president of Spirit of Milwaukee, a nonprofit organization charged with raising Milwaukee’s image locally, nationally and internationally.
“Through the generosity of Spirit of Milwaukee, Dean has already played a critical role in gaining attention for the Milwaukee Water Council with water leaders around the world,” said Rich Meeusen, co-chair of the Milwaukee Water Council and chairman, president and chief executive officer of Badger Meter Inc. “When we looked at who could help move the Water Council to the next level in its development, we quickly realized that we did not need to look far or spend time getting a new executive director up to speed.”
Amhaus has national, state and local experience including government relations, organizational management and marketing.
“Dean played an instrumental role in establishing Milwaukee and the Water Council as a member of the UN Global Compact Cities Programme,” said Paul Jones, co-chair of the Milwaukee Water Council and chairman and CEO of Milwaukee-based A.O. Smith Corp. “We have seen firsthand Dean’s ability to carefully build strategic partnerships and collaborations that cut across many sectors, all extremely critical in promoting the Water Council as an international leader.”
“It is truly an honor for me to have been selected. The Water Council is one of the most significant initiatives that the Milwaukee region has seen in several decades,” stated Dean Amhaus. “The remarkable support by this region in encouraging the growth of the water industry has been a key factor in the council’s quick development. The Water Council cannot build the water industry alone. We need all our partners in academia, government, civic and non-profit organizations and of course, the business community.”
Amhaus will serve in a consulting role with the Spirit of Milwaukee to maintain its operations and funding programs.
The Milwaukee Water Council was formally created as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in February 2009 with the purpose of growing the Milwaukee region into a world hub for water research, education and economic development.
The Milwaukee Water Council’s office is located within the offices of the Greater Milwaukee Committee.

Kissinger will be next CEO of GRAEF
John Kissinger has been named chief operating officer of GRAEF-USA Inc. and is now in line to become the next chief executive officer of the Milwaukee-based consulting engineering, design and planning firm.
“One of a CEO’s most difficult jobs is to prepare the firm for a new, future leader,” said Richard Bub, president and CEO of GRAEF, who began a leadership succession plan at the company five years ago. “These actions were in concert with GRAEF’s strategic planning. The announcement we are making today is the result of this careful process. John and I will be working closely together throughout the next 21 months, culminating in January 2012, when John will become the next CEO of GRAEF.”
Kissinger joined GRAEF in 1984 as a structural engineer in the firm’s Milwaukee office.  Since that time, he has held positions of increasing responsibility including project engineer, project manager, principal, vice-president, and most recently, regional vice president.
Kissinger has also served on the GRAEF board of directors since 2002.
Among many notable projects on Kissinger’s resume is the Milwaukee Art Museum addition, on which he served as engineering project manager. The spectacular building, designed by famed European architect Santiago Calatrava, has received several awards.
For his work on that facility, Kissinger was named one of the “Top 25 Newsmakers for 2001” by Engineering News-Record Magazine. The MAM Addition was also named the No. 1 Design of 2001 by Time Magazine.  Other notable facilities involving a key design role for Kissinger include The Midwest Airlines Center in downtown Milwaukee, The McCormick Place West Expansion in Chicago and the Lambeau Field renovation in Green Bay, Wisconsin. 
Kissinger is a member of the Greater Milwaukee Committee and also is the current chairman of the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board, appointed to that position by Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. He is also a past member of the City of Wauwatosa Design Review Board.
Graef is an employee-owned firm with offices in Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Madison, Wisconsin; Chicago, Illinois; and Fort Myers and Orlando, Fla.

Government Organizations
The City of New Berlin has added Kari Morgan as its new city clerk.  Morgan is a statutory officer, responsible for city records management, election administration, legal notification to the public, the issuance of licenses and permits and the preparation of official minutes. 

Hospitality & Entertainment
Rocky Rococo,Oconomowoc, recently promoted Thomas (Trey) Hester III to the position of president and chief operating officer. Hester previously worked as a CPA at Arthur Andersen’s Chicago Commercial Division. He joined Rocky Rococo’s in 1994. 

Media
88Nine RadioMilwaukee recently hired Devin Hudson as sponsorship director; and Elizabeth Egan, as membership director.

Professional Development and Training
FOCUS Training, Milwaukee, has added Amy Andreucci as sales and marketing account manager. Andreucci will be responsible for overseeing daily sales and marketing efforts as well as forging new partnerships within the educational system to implement transition and mentorship programs.

“The idea that there is a “budget deficit” that will somehow be paid for by future generations is a deception. As the government clearly intends to repay the debt it has accumulated to temporarily cover the losses, at the end of the day, the “shareholders” of the country are taking it in the shorts even though we don’t seem to feel it just yet.”
~Dennis Ellmaurer, principal of Globe National Corp., a Milwaukee firm working exclusively with sellers of small businesses in southeastern Wisconsin

Read the full Milwaukee BizBlog: Taxpayers are frogs in a frying pan

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 24, YP Impact will host a networking event at 88 Keys Piano Martini Lounge, 7211 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, from 6-9 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 in Milwaukee, beginning at 5 p.m. For more information or to register for the event visit bmabellawards.com
• Thursday, May 13 through Sunday, May 15th, UnGeeked Elite, a Nationwide Marketing and Branding Event will be held at the Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee. The event will feature eight social media gurus and mavens including: Chris Brogan, Jason Falls, Sally Hogshead, Olivier Blanchard, Hubspot, Visible Technologies, Dan Schawbel and Scott Stratten. Cost to attend the event is $550.00 for three days or $250.00 for one day. Cost includes, breakfast, lunch, books by Brogan, Hogshead and Stratten. For more information visit:  http://budurl.com/UnGeekedMay2010

Industry professionals Katie Felton, president of MKELive and Emily Lenard, associate director of Wired Wisconsin, recently held a seminar entitled 'What Happens in Vegas Stays on Facebook' at UW-Whitewater. The two discussed how to avoid pitfalls on Facebook that could affect employment or reputation preservation.

Check out this week's BizTimes Around Town

Respond to today's BizTimes Poll Question: Should payday lenders be allowed to charge whatever interest rate they want?

• Friday, March 19 through Sunday, March 28 The Realtors Home & Garden Show at the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave. Visit www.realtorshomeandgardenshow.com for ticket information and details.
• Friday, March 19 and Sunday, March 21, first and second round games of the men’s NCAA tournament will take place at the Bradley Center.

• 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