Thursday, March 31, 2011

Find a few of your favorite things at Prairie Quilters Quilt Show and Competition (Sun Prairie Star)

Find a few of your favorite things at Prairie Quilters Quilt Show and Competition (April 3-5, 2011 at St. Albert's Center, 2420 St. Albert the Great Drive)

http://www.sunprairiestaronline.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&SubSectionID=129&ArticleID=7151&TM=34137.48

For additional information, go to www.sunprairiequiltshow.com.


Blogger's Note: Quilting supports a unique cluster of businesses here, and we're proud to have all the competitors who ply their trade here in Sun Prairie.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Marcus Theatres Update (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

As of March 29th, 2011, the status of this project is unchanged. Marcus Corporation owns their site in the Prairie Lakes development, and their zoning has been approved. Due in part to a slow economy, there has been no commitment to any timeline from Marcus officials as to when they may begin construction. However Bruce Olson, President of the Marcus Theatres Corporation has said "Please know that we are still very excited to build a terrific new prototype entertainment complex on our site in your city."

The City remains confident that Marcus will begin construction as soon as economic conditions permit them to do so. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. Any questions can be directed to Neil Stechschulte, Economic Development Director at nstechschulte[at]cityofsunprairie.com or (608) 825-0894.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Frontier Communications Announces Wisconsin Operations Web Site (Frontier Communications Press Release)

Frontier Communications has started a new web site for their operations here in Wisconsin. The site, located at www.frontierwis.com, includes local contact information as well as announcements about local company activities and events. A link just added today will list all the locations of upcoming events where people can register for their chance to win an HDTV, laptop or tablet computer.

The main website for the company, www.frontier.com, will continue to be the place to go for information on current offers and details on Frontier products and services. Consumers can also like Frontier on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FrontierCorp, follow Frontier on Twitter at @frontiercorp, or on Linked In at www.linkedin.com/company/frontier-communications.

For additional information, contact Terry Kucera at terry.kucera@ftr.com or 608-742-4500.

Monday, March 28, 2011

There's a Lot to Like About New Sun Prairie Eatery (Madison.com)

There's a Lot to Like About New Sun Prairie Eatery

http://host.madison.com/entertainment/dining/article_c4476826-56fa-11e0-992d-001cc4c03286.html

(Photo by John Hart - Wisconsin State Journal)

Blogger's Note: Baba's continues to get good reviews...this time by the Wisconsin State Journal!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

BID Board Finalizes Mission Statement (Sun Prairie Star)

BID Board Finalizes Mission Statement

“The Sun Prairie Business Improvement District’s mission is to support the development, improvement and promotion of the downtown area for the economic benefit of all businesses within the District as well as the general social and economic benefit of the people of the City of Sun Prairie and its visitors."

Read the full article on the mission statement as well as other BID updates at:

http://sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=50&ArticleID=7056

Click here for more information on Downtown Sun Prairie.

Blogger's Note: Get these dates on your calendar for upcoming downtown events: Cannery Square Block Party - June 18th, Taste of Sun Prairie - July 23rd, Downtown Car Cruises - August 11th and 25th.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Prairie Flowers and Gifts Celebrates Five Years of Memorable Moments (Sun Prairie Star)

Prairie Flowers and Gifts Celebrates Five Years of Memorable Moments

http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&ArticleID=7123

Dina Pocernich, owner of Prairie Flowers & Gifts, poses outside the business she has owned for five years as of February. As a former part-time employee, Pocernich was approached by the shop’s founder regarding the possibility of buying the business in 2006 and has expanded the shop to include gifts such as local artwork, cards and decorative items to go along with her floral offerings (photo by Tim Neuenschwander).

Click here for more information on Prairie Flowers and Gifts.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Sun Prairie Hosts Regional Economic Development Professionals Meeting (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

Economic Development professionals from the 8 county THRIVE region met at Wisconsin Distributors in the Sun Prairie Business Park on March 24th for their first meeting of 2011. Hosts were Neil Stechschulte, Economic Development Director for the City of Sun Prairie and Shane McPeak, Human Resources Director for Wisconsin Distributors. Mr. McPeak provided a brief overview of Wisconsin Distributors' operations in Wisconsin. Mr. Stechschulte gave a brief presentation on economic development activities in Sun Prairie.

Special guest for this meeting was Mr. Larry Schwenn from Wisconsin Business Development Inc., who came and presented on their 504 loan program, as well as some other forms of assistance that WBD can provide.

THRIVE's Brad Elmer also provided an overview of their pursuit of Economic Development District status and the creation of the EDA required Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy planning document.

Betsy Lundgren of THRIVE provided a sneak peak at the proposed updated to THRIVE's website, which will feature images and testimonials from area companies that help showcase successful companies doing business in the Madison region. It will also feature direct links to the Capital Connections Inventory, the Located in Wisconsin buildings and sites database, and the region's retention program called Business Link.

THRIVE's Jenn Post Tyler then facilitated an open forum for attendees to provide general project updates for anyone who had something to share.

The group meets quarterly to share information and to network. The next meeting is tentatively set for June 2011.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Frontier Host Sun Prairie Area Businesses for Social Media Webinar (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

On March 24th, Rhonda Lutzke and Terry Kucera and the rest of the Sun Prairie crew for Frontier Communications hosted 16 people from local businesses to sit in on a nationally broadcast webinar on social media and its application to business.

The webcast featured social media experts Shama Kamini, President of Zen Marketing Group, and Albert Maruggi, Founder and President of Provident Partners. The presentation focused around the need for a social media strategy, benefits and pitfalls to using social media, and specific recommendations for specific social media including Groupon, Facebook and Twitter.

After the national webinar, the Sun Prairie group heard presentations from Neil Stechschulte, Economic Development Director for the City of Sun Prairie on Blogging, and the general use of other social media from Kay-Tee Franke (presenting in the photo above), President of Engaging Results Communications.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Sun Prairie Chamber Announces Upcoming Events

Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce Hosts Business Seminar on Branding

Join us for an informational seminar for businesses on Branding. Sponsored by the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, the seminar will be held at Globe University, 4901 East Park Blvd, Madison, on Thursday, April 7th, 2011 from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Topics include:

1) Don’t let the image of your company develop by accident
2) Strategy discussion
3) Case studies
4) Practical ideas on how to make this part of your business strategy more effective.

The session will be facilitated by Bob Trewartha, Director of Campus and Program Promotions, Globe University. Businesses and organizations interested in the subject are welcome to attend. The Chamber Education Committee is working to offer business seminars of current topics to Chamber Members and the community at large.

The seminar is $3.00 for Chamber of Commerce members and $15.00 for non-members. The fee will help cover refreshment and material costs for the event. To register for the seminar, contact the Chamber of Commerce at (608) 837-4547 phone, (608) 837-8765 fax, spchamber@frontier.com or www.sunprairiechamber.com. Registration deadline is Tuesday, April 5th, 2011.


Health Care Legislation - Presentation on updates for businesses

Date: March 30th, 2011
Time: 8 am to 10 am
Cost: $45 for Chamber Members
Place: Alliant Energy Corporate Headquarters, 4902 Biltmore Lane.

The session will cover:

1) Updates on the new laws - status of legislation and regulations - state and federal level
2) Health Care case study - employee retaliation and health reform.

To register, call Karen Mahlkuch at WMC, 608-258-3400.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Reminder: Restaurant Week Sun Prairie - March 28th-31st (Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce)

What is Restaurant Week Sun Prairie?

Restaurant Week Sun Prairie is an opportunity to explore some of Sun Prairie's finest restaurants. Participating restaurants will feature three options for lunch and/or dinner (check the availability). The options may be signature menu items, their most popular, or staff favorites. Lunch will be set at $8 and dinner $12 (tax and gratuity are not included).

Every time you dine during the week, you will be eligible to win a gift certificate to a participating restaurant. In order to be entered, you must dine at one of the featured restaurants and fill out a comment card. The more you dine, the better your chances! Chamber members are entered into the drawing TWICE! In addition to eating delicious food, you support your fellow Chamber members and Sun Prairie.

Check the Chamber website for participating restaurants - web links and menus will be provided, if applicable.

Click here for a list of participating restaurants & menus.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Datastore Acquires Madison Records Center (Press Release)

Madison, WI March 15, 2011 - Datastore, the region's trusted provider of advanced information management solutions today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Madison Records Center. The acquisition, which formally closed on March 10, 2011 - represents the continued expansion and growth of Datastore as the premier provider of records and information management solutions to the Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago business communities.

Madison Records Center has been in business for over 25 years and represents a solid, respected name in the Records Management community within the Madison market. Through this acquisition, customers of Madison Records Center will now become Datastore clients and have access to the full portfolio of advanced information solutions Datastore offers to its clientele.

The operations and servicing of Madison Records Center clientele will be fully integrated into Datastore's Madison Regional Operation's Center which is located in the Sun Prairie Business Park. The integration is expected to be completed this summer.

More information about Datastore can be found by visiting http://www.datastoreweb.com/

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Baba's Supper Club Announces Comedy Club Night and Grand Opening (Press Release)


Comedy Club Night Set

Baba's Supper Club in Downtown Sun Prairie will be hosting their first comedy club night on Thursday March 24th. Doors open at 5pm, dinner at 6pm and the show will start at 7:30 p.m. The featured comedians will be Mike Marvell and Steve Purcell.

Milwaukee comedian Mike Marvell puts on thousands of miles a year, traveling across the country, telling jokes and stories about his family and life in Wisconsin. Married for over 20 years with three kids, his comedy offers material that everyone will definitely relate to. When Mike hits the stage, it’s like you’ve known him forever. He’s the guy next door, that crazy cousin, or your brother-in-law (the one you like). Watching Mike’s show is like THAT 70’s SHOW, with a shot of CHEERS, some EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND, and a huge helping of THE SIMPSONS.

Steve Purcell is a standup comic from Wisconsin. He has been performing on stage since 1999 but has been harvesting material his whole life. He is a Midwestern product straight out of the dairy state and just like a good beer; Steve is full bodied and has a refreshing head. His jokes are from the heart and from the heartland and audiences all over are laughing out loud. Escape from your world and enjoy the comedy of Steve Purcell. You will feel good about your life because there's someone else who understands it. Steve has worked many top comedy clubs across the country and has donated his time to charity events, most notably the Gilda Radner Club. He's available for bookings, but never during a Packer game or deer hunting season.

Grand Opening Scheduled

Baba's official Grand Opening will be on Saturday April 2nd. They will feature two different bands, including headliner Mark Croft at 8:30 p.m.

Click here for more information on Baba's Supper Club, or call 608-318-1640.

Blogger's Note: Baba's is doing a great job reinventing the Wisconsin Supper Club, and adding some great new entertainment options for Downtown Sun Prairie.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Buck & Honey's Cracks Top Ten in Diners' Choice Rankings for Madison Restaurants (Open Table)

Buck & Honey's Cracks Top Ten in Diners' Choice Rankings for Madison Restaurants

http://www.opentable.com/best-wisconsin-restaurants?li=1650&topic=Madison

Blogger's Note: Some pretty good company here. Congratulations B&H!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Energy Law Attorney Greens the State One Client at a Time (Corporate Report Wisconsin)

Energy Law Attorney Greens the State One Client at a Time

http://crwmag.com/issue/march-2011/article/energy-law-attorney-greens-the-state-one-client-at-a-time

Click here for more information on Energy Law Wisconsin.

Blogger's Note: Mike Allen and Sun Prairie-based Energy Law Wisconsin are big supporters of the Wind Power Happy Hour. Congratulations on the great article, Mike!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

City of Sun Prairie Presents to the 2011 Sun Prairie Leadership Class (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

On Wed. March 16th the participants of the 2011 Leadership Class hosted by the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce learned about businesses in our local economy in the Business & Industry segment of their coursework. The day featured a presentation from Stark Realtors on the current housing market, and overview of business development activities from the City of Sun Prairie, a tour of Hallman Lindsay, lunch at Buck & Honey's, and a tour of Village Hearth Bakery. We get to see them at City Hall soon for their local government segment.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Comprehensive Suntax Announces Expansion (Press Release)

Consistently voted the #1 accounting firm in Sun Prairie in the annual community newspaper poll, Comprehensive Suntax & Associates, 1015 W Main St, has expanded to a 2nd building next door at 1000 Lothe St.

Offering an array of tax, payroll, and accounting services, the 2nd location and resultant staff expansion allows Comprehensive Suntax & Associates to better serve its payroll and Quickbooks clients.

For further information, contact Comprehensive Suntax & Associates at 608-837-2584, or click here to go to their website.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Economic Development Blogging for Business in Minutes - Free Webinar from GIS Planning (City of Sun Prairie/GIS Planning)

Does blogging create results? Does it take too much time? Can any economic developer do it?

Neil Stechschulte, City of Sun Prairie, WI (pop. 29,134), gives the answers to how he set up his blog in one morning that has generated thousands of visits from all 50 states and 88 countries. He will also discuss his innovative new "Project 365" to promote positive local business news. Learn how to set up a blog with free software, and gain content ideas and marketing tips to reach the right audience.

Sign up now for this free webinar on Wednesday, March 23 at 1 PM Eastern/10 AM Pacific.

This free webinar is being hosted and facilitated by GIS Planning.

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/408057130

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Dairy Queen Celebrates 30 Years in Sun Prairie on March 20 (Sun Prairie Star)

Dairy Queen Celebrates 30 Years in Sun Prairie on March 20

http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&ArticleID=7051

Blogger's Note: Congratulations to Greg and Diane Mosso on a huge milestone! Not to mention that DQ opening in Sun Prairie means we're one more step closer to Spring! (Photo by Tim Neuenschwander)

Peters Elected to American Transmission Co. Board of Directors (WPPI Energy)

WPPI Energy President and CEO Michael W. Peters has been elected to the board of directors of American Transmission Co.

ATC owns, operates, builds and maintains the high-voltage electric transmission system serving portions of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. Formed in 2001 as the nation’s first multi-state transmission-only utility, ATC has invested $2.2 billion to improve the adequacy and reliability of its infrastructure.

“WPPI Energy has been involved since the formation of ATC and strongly supports the company’s missions and objectives,” says Peters. “I am pleased to serve on the ATC board of directors.”

Peters replaces former WPPI Energy President and CEO Roy Thilly, who vacated his seat on the ATC board in late February following his retirement from WPPI Energy. Thilly was instrumental in the formation of ATC and served on the board since the company’s inception in 2001.

ATC now is a $2.75 billion company with 9,400 miles of transmission lines and 510 substations. The company is a member of the Midwest ISO regional transmission organization, and provides nondiscriminatory service to all customers, supporting effective competition in energy markets without favoring any market participant.

Peters took the helm as WPPI Energy’s president and CEO in January following an extensive national search. He is an attorney with expertise representing both large and small electric cooperatives in a variety of forums in Kansas, Illinois and Michigan, as well as in Washington, D.C. Peters previously served as president and CEO of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, where he was responsible for providing the leadership, management and strategic vision for the statewide trade association representing Michigan’s rural electric cooperative industry. He holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana and a juris doctorate from the Washburn University School of Law.

Source: http://www.wppienergy.org/newsarchive?ID=223

Friday, March 11, 2011

Sun Prairie's Esposito Takes Over as New President of WBA (Sun Prairie Star)

Sun Prairie's Esposito Takes Over as New President of WBA

Don Esposito, Vice President of Land Acquisition and Development at Veridian Homes located in Madison, was sworn in as the Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) president for 2011-12 during the Wisconsin Builders Conference Feb. 10-12, 2011 held at the Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

Click here to read the full article in the Sun Prairie Star.

Blogger's Note: Congratulations to Don, and thanks to his continued leadership during this interesting economy.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Sun Prairie Participates in THRIVE Training Session on Synchronist and Zoom Prospector (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

City Planner Tim Semman and Economic Development Director Neil Stechschulte attended a training session facilitated by THRIVE on two new economic development tools being deployed for communities in the region. Other participating communities included the City of Madison, the City of Middleton, the Village of Waunakee, the Village of Oregon Chamber of Commerce, Dane County, Columbia County, Iowa County, Jefferson County, Sauk County, the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, and Madison Gas & Electric.

The morning session was on the Synchronist Business Information System, a web-based software tool used to manage business retention and expansion programs. The presenter was Mr. Eric Canada from Blane, Canada Ltd.

The Synchronist Business Information System® bundles advanced business retention strategies, sophisticated interview design, assistance tracking/service delivery management, competitive intelligence, intranet and database technology (software), BR|E resource library, and a community of committed users all working together to maximize the value of their BR|E investment.

The Synchronist System’s on-line software (Intranet) provides the information organization, management, analysis, and reporting tools needed to:

- Identify expansion opportunities, companies at risk, as well as company and community problems.

- Build relationships and insure service delivery to existing businesses.

- Free the economic developer from the back room to maximize time meeting with business executives.

The Synchronist System provides insight and documentation to impact decision-making and resource allocation within the organization, partner organizations, and the community.

THRIVE, along with MG&E and Alliant Energy have purchased a regional software license that allows any community in the region to utilize the software, upload survey data, and create a variety of reports on their local employers. All data collected is strictly confidential, and is available only to the specific communities who upload the information.

For more information on the Synchronist Business Information System, visit Blane, Canada on their website at: http://www.blanecanada.com/product_synchronist.html.

Communities interested in participating should contact their local economic development professional, or Brad Elmer, Project Director for THRIVE at belmer@thrivehere.org or 608-443-1967.

The afternoon training session was on the soon to be released online buildings and properties database system that will be unveiled later this month for the State of Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Association and the State of Wisconsin Department of Commerce have selected ZoomProspector, a product of GIS Planning, Inc., to provide a one-stop shop for all sites and buildings data throughout the State of Wisconsin. Data is provided through partnerships with Xceligent, Property Drive, and Wisconsin Commercial Information Exchange (WCIE), powered by Catalyst, so that accurate and up-to-date information is available about opportunities in Wisconsin. This reputable, unbiased database is nonprofit and is maintained by brokers and real estate professionals, in partnership with local economic development specialists, ensuring a wide range of available sites and buildings.

This project was also made possible in part by Alliant Energy, Dairyland Power Cooperative, Madison Gas & Electric Company, We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation, WPPI Energy, Xcel Energy - Northern States Power Company and American Transmission Company.

For additional information on Zoom Prospector, go to the GIS Planning, Inc. website at: http://www.gisplanning.com/zoomprospector-com.html.

To learn more about the upcoming release of this tool in Wisconsin, contact the Wisconsin Economic Development Association at 608.255.5666 or at weda@weda.org.


Wednesday, March 9, 2011

City of Sun Prairie Partners With Wisconsin Wind Works at 8th Annual Green Energy Summit (City of Sun Prairie Office of Economic Development)

City Economic Development Director Neil Stechschulte helped staff the Wisconsin Wind Works table Wednesday at the 8th Annual Green Energy Summit at the Frontier Airlines Center in Milwaukee. Wisconsin Wind Works is a statewide retention & expansion program for companies in the wind industry manufacturing supply chain that was born out of a targeted growth sector of the New North. Specific initiatives have included the development of a directory of more than 300 participating companies in a statewide Supply Chain directory, coordination of advertising opportunities for participants, and hosting a booth at the annual Windpower Expo for partnering Wisconsin companies.

Stechschulte has collaborated with Jerry Murphy from the New North and Fin Flood from the Wisconsin Wind Works Alliance on networking events and marketing efforts since 2009. The City and Wisconsin Wind Works have teamed up in the past to host Wind Power Happy Hours in the Fox Cities and Milwaukee areas, as well as back in Sun Prairie. Other events in the future may be co-hosting a symposium on the wind industry supply chain here in Wisconsin, and perhaps a job fair with companies working in the renewable energy sector.

With regard to the ongoing partnership, Stechschulte said "We share a common goal, and that is to see private sector companies involved in the wind industry manufacturing supply chain thrive here in Wisconsin. There are more and more occasions when combining our efforts and helping one another out just makes sense."

Today's highlights included 1) working with several students from the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), 2) networking with the UW Office of Corporate Relations, RENEW Wisconsin, the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), and the Wisconsin Energy Research Consortium (WORC), and 3) meeting representatives from companies including Johnson Controls, Uihlein Electric, and LEM U.S.A. Inc.

The City and Wisconsin Wind Works plan to sit down and work out a schedule for 2011 for the Wind Power Happy Hour and intend to release it sometime yet this March.

Click here for additional information on the Green Energy Summit.

Click here for additional information on Wisconsin Wind Works.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Wal-Mart, Rotary and Friends of the Sun Prairie Library Help Fund New Interactive Early Literacy Area

Wal-Mart, the Sun Prairie Rotary Foundation and the Friends of the Sun Prairie Public Library funded the new interactive Early Literacy Area (ELA) that was unveiled on March 2nd during in a joint celebration with Dr. Seuss' birthday at the Sun Prairie Public Library.

Video of the Unveiling of the Early Literacy Area (Sun Prairie Star)
http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=82&SubSectionID=254&TM=76487.35

For more information on the Early Literacy Area, or how businesses can help support the library, call (608) 825-7323 or check out their website at: http://www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Sun Prairie's Complete Mobile Dentistry Helps Members of the Armed Forces (Sun Prairie Star)

Lisa Hartig, owner and president of Complete Mobile Dentistry, poses outside the RV that serves as a mobile dentist office used by her company to serve U.S. soldiers serving as reservists and National Guard members. Since the company began working with military personnel in 2005, they have expanded from a handful of employees to now using 500 dentists and assistants from around the company to perform routine dental exams and operations on soldiers (photo by Tim Neuenschwander for the Sun Prairie Star)

Sun Prairie's Complete Mobile Dentistry Helps Members of the Armed Forces

http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&subsectionID=52&articleID=7000

Click here to visit Complete Mobile Dentistry on the Web

Blogger's Note: A great company based on a great idea with a great mission.

Follow up article in the Wisconsin State Journal - May 2011 (http://host.madison.com/wsj/business/article_a30d7c4c-8718-11e0-ac1d-001cc4c002e0.html)

Sun Prairie High School Jazz Band Named One fo the Top in the Nation (Sun Prairie Star)

Sun Prairie will be among the bands competing in New York City May 12-14, beginning with the competition and festival at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the Final Concert taking place on May 14 at Avery Fisher Hall, 7:30 p.m. 15 out of 110 competing schools were selected to perform.

Click here for the full story in the Sun Prairie Star:

http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=5&subsectionID=5&articleID=6989

Blogger's Note: Did I mention we take our music programs seriously in Sun Prairie? GO CARDINALS!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Wisconsin Cheeseman, Scott's Candy. and Mille Lacs Equipment Auction Set for March 9-10th

Auction Dates

Wednesday & Thursday, March 9th & 10th, starting at 10:00 am (*sale subject to court approval)

Location

Wisconsin Cheeseman Facility
1500 Clarmar DriveSun Prairie, WI 53590

Start Time/Auction site time zone

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011, 10:00 AM

Preview

Tuesday, March 8th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm or earlier by appointment

Terms

To be sold in accordance with Rabin Worldwide's Terms of Sale as published on our web site and in the auction catalog. Some items subject to prior sale. A Buyer's Premium will apply to all items sold.

For detailed auction information:

QBE Employees Support the Community (Press Release)

QBE employees are off to a strong start in 2011 for community involvement and support. Employees are lending a hand to a variety of causes and volunteer efforts. They include:

· Ronald McDonald House—Twice during March, employees are donating food and volunteering time to prepare and serve dinner at the Ronald McDonald House in Madison. At little or no cost, the Ronald McDonald House provides a “home-away-from-home” for families so they can stay close by their hospitalized children.

· American Cancer Society—Employees raised $1,340 selling daffodils during Daffodil Days to benefit cancer research. Proceeds from a bake sale in March will also be donated to the Cancer Society.

· Food drive—Employees donated more than 750 pounds of food and $500 during the “Souperbowl Food Drive” held the week before the Super Bowl. Food and money were given to the Sunshine Place Food Pantry in Sun Prairie.

· Children’s Hospital fund-raiser—In honor of Heart Month in February, employees bought paper hearts. The $266 raised will be donated to the Herma Heart Center at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

· Reading to children—Once a month, employee volunteers read to kindergarten classes at Royal Oaks Elementary School.

· Schools of Hope project—Employee volunteers provide tutoring to help increase Dane County students’ academic performance and ensure children are prepared to start school. This effort is part of Schools of Hope, a partnership between schools, United Way and other community non-profit groups.

Click here for more information on QBE.

For Immediate Release: March 4, 2011

Contact: Paula M. Symons, APR
Communications Consultant
608-825-5029

Thursday, March 3, 2011

First Weber Group Proudly Announces 2010 Award Winners (Madison.com)

The following Sun Prairie area First Weber agents were recognized for their performance in 2010.

2010 President's Club Award:

Pam Hickey & Stephanie Wedan (Sun Prairie)
Andy Lindgren - (Sun Prairie)

2010 Director's Club Award:

Scott Suchomel (Sun Prairie)

Source 1: http://host.madison.com/business/announcements/awards/article_18eb255e-45a1-11e0-9f04-001cc4c002e0.html
Source 2: http://www.firstweber.com/about-us/sales-awards.php

Thermal Spray Technologies, Inc. R&D Technician Jesse Beske Granted Extension Diplomas by ASM International (24-7 Press Release)

PLYMOUTH, MN, February 27, 2011 -- The Materials Information Society awarded Mr. Jesse Beske of Thermal Spray Technologies (TST) Extension Diplomas in both Non-Ferrous Metallurgy and Applied General Metallurgy after his successful completion of extended study of courses prescribed by ASM International. Mr. Beske completed courses in Metallurgy for the Non-Metallurgist, Aluminum and Its Alloys, Titanium and Its Alloys, Principles of Metallography, and Fundamentals and Applications of Powder Metallurgy. Mr. Beske has been employed with TST for over 4 years and is a key contributor within the copmany's R&D department in the development and analysis of coatings for our customers. Thermal Spray Technologies applies a wide range of materials using thermal spray processes to enhance the properties of our customer's products. Thermal sprayed coatings increase component life, improve component performance, increase component value and reduce machinery downtime.

For additional information please contact Brad Wagner, Director of Sales at 608-825-2772 ext. 238 or bwagner@tstcoatings.com.


Blogger's Note: Just read in the March 2011 newsletter of the Wisconsin Section of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers that they recently toured the TST facility in Sun Prairie. Thanks to TST for bringing these folks to our City!

Weishar, Stechschulte Highlight Development at BID Meeting (Sun Prairie Star)

Weishar, Stechschulte Highlight Development at Annual BID Meeting

http://www.sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&subsectionID=52&articleID=6994



Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce Newsletter - March 2011

Leadership Class Participants Sought

The Leadership Sun Prairie committee is now taking applications for the fifteenth class. The Leadership program provides awareness and understanding of the resources, processes, issues, and concerns that affect our community. Participants have the opportunity to develop relationships with existing and emerging leaders.

This nine month program meets from September through April; one full weekday per month. Sessions are held in various locations to expose participants to different aspects of our community. Topics include education, health, government, business, leadership, volunteerism, and communications. Space/participation is limited! Applications are due by June 3, 2011. For an application / more information, please contact the Chamber office at 837-4547 or email spchamber@frontier.com.

Branding Business Seminar - Thursday, April 7th

Branding—Don’t let the image of your company develop by accident. Whether you are a retailer, school, distributor, sole proprietor or just for your personal image, it is critical that we create a ‘brand’. There are several strategies we will discuss, case studies and brainstorming to give you practical ideas on how to make this part of your business strategy more effective. Come ready to interact, share and be involved in a strategy session that will entertain and inform.

Presented by Bob Trewartha, Globe University
Place: Globe University
4901 Eastpark Blvd, Madison
Time: 7:30-9:00 am
Cost: $3 Chamber Members
$15 non-Members

New Members

Access Community Health Centers:
www.accesscommunityhealthcenters.org

Baba's Supper Club:
www.babassupperclub.com

Day One Pizza:
www.dayonepizzadelivery.com

E80 Plus Contractors, LLC

Grand Stay Residential Suites:
www.grandstay.net

Taste of the Arts Fair Sponsorships Available

June 11th, Sheehan Park is the date of this year’s event. Limited to (four) $550 sponsors - sponsors included in radio, newspaper advertising, website, newsletter promotion, event signage and more. The event is held in conjunction with the Georgia O'Keeffe celebration at the Public Library. Contact the Chamber office at 837-4547 or email spchamber@frontier.com for more information.

Governor’s Export Awards Competition

Nominations are now being sought for the Awards. Any Wisconsin agricultural, forestry, industrial, high-technology or service enterprise successfully engaging in or assisting in the export of Wisconsin original products or services can be nominated. The deadline for nominations is April 15. The 2011 awards will be presented on May 10, 2011 at the Wisconsin International Trade Conference in Milwaukee. For entry information go to:

http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/IE/IE-ExportAwards.html.

Health Care Legislation Update Presentation

Date: March 30, 2011
Time: 8am-10am
Cost: $45 for Chamber members
Place: Alliant Energy Corporate
Headquarters, 4902 Biltmore Lane.

The session will cover: 1) Updates on the new laws; status of legislation and regulations at the state and federal level. 2) Health care case study— employee retaliation suits and health reform. To register call Karen Mahlkuch at WMC, 608-258-3400.

Creative Hiring Solutions

Date: Wednesday, March 23rd
Time: 7:30-9:00 am
Place: Sun Prairie Library, 1350
Linnerud Dr., Community Room
No cost to attend. Refreshments served.
RSVP: to spchamber@frontier.com or 837-4547

Are you looking to diversify your workforce? Interested in reducing your staff turnover and retention costs? Trying to avoid productivity losses incurred from unfilled positions? In today’s’ challenging economic climate, workers with disabilities relieve overworked personnel and are a creative response to staffing shortages. Listen to area employers share their experiences employing people with disabilities and learn more supported employment programs available to your company.

For more information on these and other Chamber programs and events, contact the Chamber at 608-837-4547 phone or spchamber@frontier.com.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Sun Prairie's Porktropolis is Barbecue Heaven (Madison.com)


Sun Prairie's Porktropolis is Barbecue Heaven

http://host.madison.com/article_e61e8fe2-7bf7-5b75-ab1b-03c34987a3ba.html

Some other local reviews:

Sun Prairie Star (Nov. 2010):

http://sunprairiestar.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&ArticleID=6375

Isthmus (Jan. 2011):

http://www.isthmus.com/isthmus/article.php?article=31881

Visit Porktropolis on the Web at: http://porktropolis.net/

Blogger's Note: A great addition to the Sun Prairie restaurant scene, and another example of a quality restaurant succeeding in a growing market.