SEPTEMBER 2019 Friday, Sept 20th! - Independent Business Association of ...
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SEPTEMBER 2019
Monday, Sept 9th: Friday, Sept 20th!
Sales Roundtable
Inside This Issue:
OLLENBURG: HIRSCHFELD:
THC: MANAGING RISK OF 10 SIGNS TECHNOLOGY COULD
WORKPLACE IMPAIRMENT IS BE HOLDING YOU BACK
EASIER THAN YOU THINK
HUNTER:
KIDS ORDERED TO PAY SALE TAX
AT CHILDREN’S EXPO A SAD
LESSON IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
KEATING:
STRONG SUPPORT FOR
FREE TRADE AMONG
ECONOMISTS…AND
THE AMERICAN PUBLIC
Executive Director
Steve Kohlmann
President
Robert Gross
Gross Automation
Secretary
Dan Hansen
Treasurer
Tony Palmen
Sikich
Directors
Jim Leef
ITU AbsorbTech
Ann Barry Hanneman
Von Briesen Law Office
John Weber
Hypneumat
Lisa Mauer
Rickert Industries
Scott Seroka
Seroka Brand Development
Tom Parks
Annex Wealth Management
Jake Hansen
Jacsten Holding
Scott Hirschfeld
CTaccess
Andy Oliver
Gear Wash
Al Leidinger
Mathison Manufacturing
IBAW Mission:
To advance business prosperity through insightful programming,
executive networking and member-driven public policy and advocacy.
Special Event!
Friday, September 20, 2019 | Time: 7:00 am - 9:30 am
Location: The Wisconsin Club, 900 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee
Friday Sept. 20, 2019
7:00 am - 9:30 am
1 BIG Event - 2 Exciting Topics!
The Wisconsin Club Ballroom,
900 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee
The Robots are Coming…
Artificial Intelligence in manufacturing is the future. Learn the steps to implement it before your competition does!
PLUS…
An All-Star Panel Discussion on Manufacturing in WI
Tracy Pearson Lyman Tschanz,
SVP, CFO, VP, Connected Dave Dull, Dave Bahl,
Regal Ware Worldwide Enterprise Consulting, CEO, Allis Roller CEO, WeldAll
Rockwell Automation
Powered by:
Table rates are available.
Bring your team!
Register now at IBAW.com
Steve Kohlmann,
IBAW Executive Director
Message From the Future
Here we are in the present day and I’m
now here to tell you the 2019
Wisconsin Manufacturing Summit is
taking place on September 20th. One
of our topics will be Artificial
Intelligence (AI) in manufacturing. AI
is going to transform the way we do
everything in the future. And, as a PDF
order comes in from your email, you
think to yourself, ‘Huh, this all sounds
vaguely familiar.’
AI is coming.
You may not know it but you’re already
using a ‘narrow form’ of AI in your life
when you ask Siri or Alexa to do
something. Computers and machines
are already anticipating what we need
and want and taking care of those
needs. Automated delivery of your
razors or mascara every 30 days for
Get ready, something cool is about to We’re talking about technology. I
instance.
happen. mention to you there’s something new
on the horizon called the ‘Internet’.
We’re going to just scratch the surface
I’m going to transport myself back in People are starting to take notice of it.
of AI. It’s going to be a 40,000 foot
time to 1988 and into your office to The media has used the catchphrase,
view of what’s coming, what it will do,
give you some insight to the future. ‘The Information Super Highway’. I give
and most importantly, how to get
you a brief overview of what it is and
onboard.
Ready? Here we go… how it’s going to transform our lives in
just about every way possible. You’re
I’m here in the present day to tell you
(Lights flash, sound distorts, lightening skeptical, and roll your eyes as you
there’s something new is on the
flashes, smoke, time bends…) reach for a new order coming out of
horizon and it’s going to be big. Really
your fax machine (there’s pink ink
big. It’s coming very soon. As a matter
…BAM! Done. running off the fax paper, time to
of fact, your competition is probably
change the roll.) Then, an employee
looking into right now, wondering
Wow. You look a lot younger. Thinner, comes in to tell you the guy hard
how they can use it to gain an
too. wiring the new cell phone in your car
advantage over you.
will need another hour for installation.
Unfortunately, time travel doesn’t The tech has to drill a hole in the roof
You should really register for the
make me younger, thinner or stop my of your car for the antenna.
Summit and see what it’s all about and
knees from cracking. Damn.
how to get started on it.
My time is just about up (time travel
Anyway, here I am in your office. isn’t an exact science yet.) I once again
Register at IBAW.com
Bobby McFerrin’s, ‘Don’t Worry, Be stress to get onboard as soon as you
Happy’ is softly playing on your radio can because the Internet is going to
and the newspaper on your desk has be BIG. You respond with a ‘Yeah, I’ll
the headline ‘Bush Leads Dukakis in look into it.’ and suddenly…PROOF.
Tight Presidential Race.’ (Dukakis has
yet to be photographed driving the I’m transported back to 2019.
tank.)
Sales Roundtable
Monday, September 9, 2019 | Time: 7:30 am - 9:00 am
Location: CTAccess Conference Room, 740 Pilgrim Parkway, Elm Grove
Top 4 Reasons You Need a Continuous
Improvement Culture
Scott Seroka, Seroka Development
You’ve heard the term continuous improvement culture hundreds of times. The question is, how
in the heck do you build one?
Well, there is a very easy and effective way to do so, and it’s with a program called A.I.M., and it stands for
All Ideas Matter.
Watch this video to find out more…
h"ps://youtu.be/xl5sKhRh9sY
Influential People Bob Gross, Gross Automation & IBAW President This morning, I sat at the Wauwatosa Farmer’s Market and was able to enjoy what has begun to feel like a perfect fall day. Vendors were selling tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, butter, cheese, and many other items. It is local trade at its most basic and best. Of course, I made a beeline over to the hand poured coffee vendor and then picked up a sausage croissant, a true breakfast of champions. The “pain au sausage” was a reminder of just what a croissant is and how it is made. In June, I had the honor and the privilege of participating in the WEDC (Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation) trade venture to Paris, London and Birmingham. Representing Gross Automation and the state of Wisconsin, we get to travel to different countries to build trade and encourage international business development. Wealth is created through trade. We do things really well and others do things really well. Concentrate on our strengths and trade for our weakness. Besides, these trips go to really cool places that I would probably not have visited on my own. Every trade venture has built in to the schedule a cultural event. In Paris, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, we learned how to make croissants. Our facilitator was originally from Ohio and had come to Paris to be a pastry chef. She so loved it, that she stayed and now is a part of this cultural kitchen and meeting space. When not being used to make croissants, the physical space is rented out as a bed and breakfast. Yeast, flour, sugar, salt, milk and of course butter – that’s it. Simple, basic ingredients. Everything done by hand. The beauty of it is that croissants require zero fancy equipment and no special ingredients. Then the work begins. Rolling, pressing, rolling, pressing, flattening out and squaring up. There is no substitution for this time consuming process. Then the yeast needs to work its magic. Layer on the butter, and lots of it. Now is not the time to be cheap or to skimp on the butter. Fold, roll, fold, roll, straighten, fold, roll – the activity goes on. Follow the process and then repeat. Then, let it set and again let the yeast do its thing. Roll, fold, roll, fold and roll a last time. Now it starts to take shape into its second day. No we did not stay more than a couple of hours as our host had staged the various steps to assist in a more timely finish. Now we cut and formed the final shape. Into the oven it goes. Need I describe the smell, or the taste, or the tremendous sense of accomplishment for a job well done and a mission accomplished. No other croissant in the hotel or at the breakfasts tasted this good. In fact, I can taste it now as I write this article. Have you made your croissants either today or this week? Have you followed that proven, repeatable process, however tedious it may be, that guarantees you that perfect and ultimate result in sales, engineering, marketing, and management? Most importantly, are you ready to eat that result - warm, buttery and extra flaky? Thanks for being in the IBAW. Go forth and be successful!
Business: Behind the Scenes
Friday, October 11th, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Join the IBAW as we tour one of Wisconsin’s leading employers, and world wide maker of outdoor power equipment,
Ariens Company, in Brillion Wisconsin.
We’ll depart Milwaukee via luxury coach for an exclusive, seldom seen tour of their production facilities. You’ll enjoy
an onsite lunch, then return by coach back to Milwaukee complete with cocktail service. This is an IBAW members
only event. Space is extremely limited. At Ariens request, manufactures are to be given priority if necessary.
Register at IBAW.com
Schedule:
8:00 AM - Depart State Fair Park & Ride by luxury coach
10:00 AM - Tour Ariens Facility
12:00 PM - Lunch at Ariens
1:30 PM - Depart Ariens via luxury coach / cocktail service
3:30 PM - Arrive at State Fair Park & Ride
ITU AbsorbTech Wins Business Friend of the Environment Award
ITU AbsorbTech has been named a winner of the Business Friend of the Environment Award by
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC).
“We are honored to be among the 9 businesses to receive this award,” says Jim Leef,
president at ITU AbsorbTech.
This year’s award winners represent companies that have made significant improvements
in the areas of sustainability, environmental stewardship and environmental innovation.
ITU AbsorbTech was recognized for its innovative solvent recovery system for printer
towels. This system recovers inks and solvents for reuse rather than emissions into air,
water, or waste.
“We’ve been laundering textiles for reuse for more than 100 years and have always looked for ways to use less water and energy,”
says Leef. “It is also our history to recover as much as possible from the towels we clean so those process fluids can be put to
another use.”
ITU AbsorbTech’s solvent recovery system achieves these important objectives:
• Recovers solvents for reuse, not emissions into air, water or waste
• Significantly reduces the facilities’ air emissions
• Reduces customer liability through reduction/elimination of solvent bearing waste
• Last year, ITU AbsorbTech customers prevented an average of 540 gallons of solvent from polluting land, air and waterways with
use of Ultra™ Printer Towels. That’s enough solvent to fill 13 bathtubs per customer, per year.
“It is gratifying to be recognized for the work we do for the printing and graphics industry and our ongoing commitment to a
sustainable environment.”
Advertise in the IBAW statewide magazine!
The IBAW digital magazine is sent out statewide to over 700 small business owners, elected officials, entrepreneurs and
business professionals with a read rate of over 1500 views per issue.
Get your message out and support the IBAW. This quality publication is filled with informative articles and business
intelligence with high exposure to a broad audience of business executives and decision makers.
For more information, contact Steve Kohlmann.
Advertising opportunities! October 17, Chicago, IL
The Strategic Sourcing Forum is the second Leadership Series event
for 2014, that will focus squarely on the challenges facing SME
importers from China. As we enter a new era where double-digit price
Advertise in the IBAW magazine reductions stemming from labor arbitrage are harder to find, SME’s
must now aim at becoming more effective and efficient at managing
Chinese suppliers if they are to avoid margin compression.
and get your message out: Click here for more information.
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Strong Support for Free Trade Among
Economists…and the American Public
Raymond Keating, Chief Economist, SBE Council, Washington D.C.
The fact that economists overwhelmingly agree that free trade is an economic plus is not really news. It’s long
been one of the very few issues upon which most economists agree. Indeed, you have to work pretty hard to
find an economist who actually favors protectionism.
Survey after survey makes clear the agreement on free trade among economists. For example, a 2009 American Institute of
Economic Research survey reported that 83 percent of economists agreed that the U.S. should eliminate its remaining tariffs and
other barriers to trade, and a University of Chicago October 2016 survey found that
100 percent of economists opposed the idea of imposing tariffs to “protect” U.S.
production.
Indeed, economists have long favored free trade and opposed protectionism, and as
SBE Council summed up in a 2016 report on free trade vs. protectionism:
“In the end, free trade reduces costs through the removal of trade barriers (such as tariffs
and quotas); expands choices for consumers; keeps U.S. firms competitive; and opens new
markets and opportunities for U.S. goods and services. Meanwhile, protectionism raises
prices and limits choices for consumers; shields U.S. companies from competition –
creating an environment of reduced efficiency, fewer innovations and inventions, and
lower quality – and closes off international opportunities for U.S. entrepreneurs and businesses as other nations retaliate, resulting in
slower economic growth and fewer jobs.”
The American Public Agrees
What’s nice to see is growing agreement among the American public that free trade is a positive. Polls of Americans’ views on
trade have offered varying results over the years depending on when the poll was taken and the economic circumstances at the
time.
But a new poll of adults released by NBC/The Wall Street Journal reported that 64 percent of Americans view free trade as “good”
for America vs. 27 percent viewing it as “bad.” That 64 percent was up from 57 percent in the same poll taken in April 2017, as
well as up in polls of registered voters taken in July 2016, with 55 percent saying free trade was good, and in December 2015,
when 51 percent said good.
This is a welcome trend on Americans’ views on trade. Let’s hope that these views, coupled with the overwhelming affirmation
among economists in favor of free trade since Adam Smith wrote An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations in
1776, will spur the Trump administration to step back from higher tariffs and trade wars, and return the U.S. to its traditional
global leadership role in advancing free trade.
_______
Raymond J. Keating is chief economist for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council.10 Signs Technology Could Be Holding You Back Scott Hirschfeld, President, CTaccess I’ve had several meetings in the last few weeks with company owners and managers, who are taking a hard look at their technology. In one case, a new owner is looking at their technology and recognizing that very little attention has been paid to updating or improving it. Hardware and software updates are years overdue. The company has found ways to work around the problems created by this old technology, but it is holding them back. In another case, an organization has been forced to look more closely at their business software, because it is frequently breaking down and not performing as it should. They too have created productivity killing workarounds to accommodate the failures of this software. And in truth, the software, even when working correctly, falls short of newer solutions that would automate much that is done manually now. In thinking about how technology is holding these two organizations and others I meet with back, I find myself asking why we allow this to happen. One reason is simply the pressure of daily business. Most of us are busy just trying to keep up and our focus is on the immediate rather than the big picture of driving efficiency through process change and technology. Another reason is that these things happened slowly. Technology falls short, so we work around it. Then we have another requirement that we need to meet and can’t, so we ignore it or work around it again, and over time technology is more of a roadblock than we recognize. You might be thinking that you are on the cutting edge of technology, or you might be identifying with the two companies above. There are a few signs you can look for to help you evaluate where you really are. Here are 10 Warning Signs That Technology Could Be Holding You Back: 1. Your employees see technology as a roadblock. The best measure of how our systems are working is sometimes an innovative member of our team. Many team members are focused on doing their job the way they have always done it for years, but there are usually a few who see the big picture. Sometimes it is the new employee who sees all the rekeying or wants to know why they can’t just email that quote right from the system. We often brush over these things, but if we pay attention, we can get some great insight. 2. Systems don’t talk to each other. Your main line of business (LOB) applications should be able to talk to each other. Not everyone has the same requirements, but your ERP should talk to your ecommerce site or to EDI; your service management system should feed your accounting; your CRM should integrate with your ERP; your ECM and document management should talk to your main LOB application; and, your LOB software should easily integrate and email documents or export information to programs like Excel. Systems talking and sharing information eliminates multiple lookups and often duplication of key entry.
3. You are lacking reporting and analytics. Many outdated systems don’t have the ability to report on important metrics. We have a great example of this at CTaccess. Our older service management system didn’t allow us to track things like time to respond to a service ticket and set thresholds and warnings. When we implemented a new system, we were able to get a very clear view of response times which now allows our team to manage their handling of tickets, so that we meet our response goals consistently and provide much better service. The updated software is what enabled this change. 4. Your workflow is in the dark ages. Systems should no longer be paper driven. Printing documents should no longer be a necessary part of the work process. That paper folder moving to the next work location or desk should not be the only trigger for the next step. If you are still making trips to the file cabinet to look up that last order, you might need to make some changes. Information should be electronic, searchable, and all stages of work should be transparently visible. Reminders and escalations should also be automatic. 5. Meeting the needs of the changing workforce is difficult. The new millennial workforce expects a higher level of automation and the easy click-ability of Amazon. Salespeople on the road want access to the same data as they have in the office. Some workers want to work remote. Meeting these requests is not easy and sometimes not possible with dated technology. 6. Competition is tough and costs are high. If the competition is consistently bidding or winning business at a price that is below where you want to be, sometimes technology is the answer. Manual or slow technology makes everything take longer. Systems that are not transparent, or don’t make communicating status to the client easy could put you at a disadvantage. 7. Sharing information with external parties is a pain. In our connected world, customers and vendors often expect us to share information with them. Older technology often makes this difficult, so we may not be doing it, or we may be manually creating and sending a report. Updating our systems may allow us to keep up or beat the competition by automating this or providing dashboards and reporting. 8. You need that one guy to help with your legacy system. It is always a bad sign when you have to ask for that one guy that still knows your old software and can still help. If you have that old Cobol programmer on speed dial, it might be time to update your technology. And, if nobody under 40 has ever heard of your software, it might just be holding you back. 9. Patching and updating is not possible. This could apply to hardware or software. If your software vendor is no longer updating the version you are on, or there is a major process to go through to get the update loaded, you are likely being held back by your technology. If you are still using tapes; if you are still holding on to Windows XP or Windows 7; if you are unsure if you can recover from a system failure; if you don’t really know who you will call if it breaks, then you are in the danger zone and may just need to update your technology. 10. Flexibility is not in your vocabulary. If that new idea or that new line of business or that new way of kitting things is always a problem, your technology may be holding you back. Sometimes the workarounds, spreadsheets, and manual tracking in place to make an older system work with newer ideas requires a lot of creativity and effort. If these things are happening, it is likely that technology is holding you back. If any of these signs strike a chord, you probably already know that technology is holding you back. You may need a hardware or software upgrade, or you might need to conduct a search for something entirely new. In some cases, it might just be a change to configuration, or some software to tie it all together. Or, you might need someone to lead the technology charge to get you on stable ground. Whatever the case, it is important to address the old technology that may be hiding to stay viable and growing and keep your business healthy.
Kids Ordered to Pay Sales Tax at
Children’s Expo Receive a Sad Lesson
in Entrepreneurship
Brittany Hunter, Foundation for Economic Education, Atlanta GA
Twelve-year-old Lucie Wise couldn’t wait to open her own business. On
three separate occasions, she had accompanied her mother to the
Children’s Entrepreneur Market—an expo of child-run businesses
hosted annually by the Utah nonprofit Libertas Institute—dreaming of
the day she could set up her own booth and sell her wares to curious
passersby.
Lucie’s experience as a spectator at prior markets had given her time
to think long and hard about what kind of company she wanted to
start. Getting a jumpstart on the summer, when she would make her
debut at the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, she planted 500 flower
seeds in the months leading up to her first event. Once the flowers
bloomed, she arranged them into beautiful bouquets to sell to her
customers.
Lucie’s enthusiasm for running her own business is exactly the kind of mindset the Children’s Entrepreneur Market has been trying to
cultivate in the three years since it began.
Hosted throughout the summer in different cities across Utah, these events give kids the opportunity to learn entrepreneurship
firsthand while also getting to earn and manage real money. And these aren’t just your typical lemonade stands and bake sales.
Like Lucie, many children are coming up with original ideas for products and services, bringing them to life, paying for booth space,
and trying their luck in the marketplace. While the Children’s Market is intended to teach children to love entrepreneurship, one thing
it isn’t supposed to do is crush their spirit with the harsh realities of government overreach.
Unfortunately, that’s precisely what’s happening. Lucie and her fellow kidtrepreneurs are receiving a crash course in runaway taxation
from local officials who came to collect sales tax on each of their businesses—an action one activist calls unlawful.
Utah's Entrepreneurial Spirit
Entrepreneurship is inextricably woven into the culture of Utah. Nicknamed the “Beehive State” as a nod to the incomparable work
ethic of bees and with its state seal featuring the word “industry,” Utah was founded on the belief that individuals should take pride in
hard work and the freedom to provide for themselves. This belief has helped foster an environment where entrepreneurs feel
empowered to create value and provide mutual benefit for consumers in the state.
To keep this entrepreneurial spirit alive and inspire the next generation of Utahns, each year the Libertas Institute—an organization
dedicated to government accountability, economic freedom, and individual liberty—organizes the Children’s Entrepreneur Market.
Since it began, the Market has been held in 10 locations across the state, housed 1,400 booths, attracted 5,000 customers, and given
3,000 children the rare chance to engage in voluntary exchange with their patrons.
Take nine-year-old Ezra Callis, for example, who charges customers $1 to take a picture with his goats. For an additional 25 cents, you
can purchase food to feed the goats. Unlike other children participating in the event, who knew exactly what they were going to
spend their earnings on, Callis said, “I have no clue what I am going to do with my money. I just like earning money.”
Amalyssa Sudweeks is 15 years old and has turned her love of making decorative jewelry into a profitable business. Her experience at
the Children’s Entrepreneur Market has inspired her to set her sights higher. “I’m trying to start an Etsy store,” she said. Other
examples of child-run businesses featured at the market include homemade meat rubs, homemade wall organization calendars,
carnival games, strawberry jam, tooth fairy boxes, and 3D-printed Pokemon.
On August 7, the Children’s Entrepreneur Market was held in Spanish Fork, where thousands of people walked past booths sampling
products and purchasing goods from these young business people. As the event came to a close and the children began to close up
shop, city officials came around with something veteran participants had never encountered before: tax forms.To everyone’s surprise, the city is insisting that each child pays sales tax revenue to the State Tax Commission this year. In fact, even kids who did not earn a dime at the market are still obligated to file tax forms with the state. After years of hosting this event in different cities in the state, this is the first instance of any municipality trying to collect sales tax from these kids, organizers and attendees say. Danyelle Payne, mother to two kidtrepreneurs who participated in the event, expressed her disdain for what Spanish Fork is doing, especially since it is the parents who will truly have to deal with this. “We work on this all summer. We sold out last year. It looks like mom’s taking the hit on the taxes this year,” she said. This isn’t sitting well with Libertas founder and president Connor Boyack, either. He insists that the city’s action is unlawful. Boyack points out that subsection 13 of the state sales tax statute protects businesses of this nature from being made to report or pay sales tax since they are not engaging in regular commerce. Since the Market is only a four-hour long event, asking children to pay sales tax would be akin to asking a child-run lemonade business to fork over a portion of their earnings to the state—something almost no one would stand for in good conscience if it started happening. “The law is pretty clear that if a child sells lemonade on their sidewalk, they don't have to collect and remit the sales tax because they're not a regular business—their activity is inherently irregular and infrequent,” Boyack told FEE. But the Utah Tax Commission argues—apparently without any law to back them up—that if that same child sells their lemonade as part of our Children's Entrepreneur Market, or another organized event, they magically lose their exemption and have to fill out complicated tax forms and pay the tax. Spanish Fork spokesman Scott Aylett commented, “We’re pretty objective with the law. We expect vendors to pay taxes to the state.” Yet, this seems a bit odd since the subsection actually explicitly protects businesses of this kind from being subject to paying sales tax. However, since the Children’s Market is an organized event, Aylett and other Spanish Fork officials argue, this subjects the children to taxation. “At the end of the day it’s between them (the entrepreneurs) and the Tax Commission,” Aylett commented. “It doesn’t matter if they’re 10 or 100 (years old).” Boyack is refusing to take this lying down. Libertas is working with State Sen. Jacob Anderegg to open a bill fill to address this issue and, as Boyack hopes, shut it down before more kids are burdened with tax forms. Boyack sees this as laziness on the part of the commission, which would rather make everyone fill out the forms and pay taxes instead of looking at which individuals are actually legally required to file paperwork. Boyak commented:”It's one thing to force kids to do this if it's the law, but in this case it's not—it's a handful of bureaucrats lazily wanting to make all event vendors pay the tax rather than going to the trouble of identifying which ones are exempt and which ones aren’t.” In the meantime, Boyack has instructed parents to claim “0” on the tax forms before sending them back to the state. As Boyack himself once said, “Let’s at least give kids a taste of the free market before the crushing bureaucracy weighs in upon them.” In Defense of Entrepreneurship and Liberty Unfortunately for Spanish Fork, Boyack is well versed in standing up for child entrepreneurs against the long arm of the state. Libertas has already been extremely successful in working with the state legislature to create and pass laws that favor economic liberty—like protecting children entrepreneurs from excessive regulation.Just two years ago, Libertas was integral in the creation and passage of Senate Bill 81, which amended existing laws requiring occupational licenses and permits for certain businesses, specifically those run by minors under the age of 18. However, the new law also helps adults by demolishing any fees associated with the required permits. Utah residents over 18 still have to obtain the government's permission before operating a home-based business, but they are no longer forced to pay exorbitant fees—a win for entrepreneurs within the state. Boyack, who is also the author of the Tuttle Twins book series that teaches children about entrepreneurship, economics, and the free market in easy to understand terms, has decided to use this as a teaching moment. “As upset as we are over this, the government's overreach provides an opportunity to educate these children even further about the misdeeds of government and the injustices inherent in the tax system,” he told FEE. Brittany Hunter is a senior writer for the Foundation for Economic Education. Additionally, she is a co-host of Beltway Banthas, a podcast that combines Star Wars and politics. Brittany believes that the most effective way to promote individual liberty and free-market economics is by telling timely stories that highlight timeless principles.
THC: Managing Risk of Workplace Impairment is Easier Than You Think Jessica L Ollenburg, CMC,CPCM, Ollenburg, LLC As we reel in the impassioned arguments regarding non-criminalization of cannabis, overthinking workplace risks has become the status quo, and the critical argument becomes muddled accordingly. No employer should allow workplace impairment, and that remains solidly true. That said, the alleviation of such risks is not as complex as we are led to believe. Whether you are currently conducting business in a legalized weed location or not, this blueprint to safety applies to your workplace. 1. Drug & Alcohol Policy Requirements: A well-crafted policy address OTC and prescription substances. Most prescriptions list side effects such as “dizziness,” “drowsiness,” “loss of coordination” and/or some other workplace impairments. As for items readily available to consumers, whether intended for ingestion or not, similar cautions are warranted. These cautions are often emphasized by the need to present ID when purchasing everyday decongestant and flu meds. Every employer’s drug and alcohol policy should include a requirement for team members to advise a medical privacy officer in advance of work should they be subject to any substance likely to impair. THC must always be in this category. The legality of THC then becomes a variable but needn’t always change policy. 2. Train in Reasonable Suspicion, Medical Privacy and “Go – No Go” Decisions. Workplace leaders, privacy officers and all team members charged with safety responsibilities need thorough, careful and accurate training in reasonable suspicion detection, definitions, responses and custody of information. While some are intimidated by the ability to spot THC impairment, THC often produces its own readily identifiable physiological signs. And, whereas some THC users will attempt to conceal those signs, a good training program will address these cues as well. With any reasonable suspicion of impairment, immediate work disqualification and swift testing are required. Onsite tests may confirm reasonable suspicion with varying reliability according to documentation available upon purchase. In all cases, reasonable suspicion should mandate swift submission to legally and medically approved testing. Secondary testing through prescribed means of deeper analysis may be necessary. Returning to the workplace after testing becomes a commitment to fair, compliant and equitable company policy, a policy determined and clarified by a legal expert. 3. Is Cannabis Use Protected? Whether we’re discussing legality of use/possession, GINA, ADA, medical prescription, EAPs or forward-moving legislation of any shape, we know that psychoactive properties impair. On a regular basis at Ollenburg LLC and previously at HRS, we’ve repeatedly proven that compliant practices successfully improve safety metrics, minimize company risk, and best engage target talent. If cannabis use is protected by law, the workplace continues to have rights to disqualify impaired workers, supervise them more thoroughly or transfer them to safer job responsibilities/environments with less risk. 4. Workers’ Compensation (WC) Claims: Whether or not a claim is paid is typically not an employer decision, but rather a carrier and statutory decision. The employer decides upon policy, communication/enforcement, reporting policy breaches, and corrective action according to policy. Employers may participate in arguing against employee eligibility and should certainly do so where prudent. We recommend statements within company policies that properly identify the final decision authorities and strategically identify employee failures that can jeopardize their claims. Falsely assigning perception of decision-making responsibility to the employer typically backfires for the employer. 5. Liability Costs: Unless or until federal decriminalization of marijuana, costs of liability are to some extent proportionate to the reasonable care risk management steps against workplace standards. These premiums may be affected by risk assessment factors, such as the WC modifier. As long as insurance carriers can lawfully escalate premiums where extraordinary risk is perceived, we’d expect reasonable care to provide the employer some leverage in shopping carriers for best rates. Severity and frequency of claims are on the employer’s watch list, and these are cost factors as well. Compliance with OSHA and all safety standards can prove an effective cost minimization tool when addressed with fiscal prudence.
6.“Looking the Other Way:” It is absolutely true that some workplaces make decisions not to test for THC, as some believe they’d have too few employees left on the floor. Some employers choose to increase safety protocol and “buddy system” responsibilities. Others proclaim “zero tolerance.” We advocate crafting every policy and the action steps toward change with reasonable understanding of the target talent demographics and current workforce population. Not all policy makers believe that studies of hard-drug users beginning with marijuana reveal any reverse-correlation that marijuana users are likely to switch to hard drugs. It’s no secret that controversy and opposing viewpoints reside here. Knowledgeable discussions of marijuana decriminalization are critical to our cultures and lawmaking. Allowance of impairment where safety is in jeopardy is another critical discussion altogether. We often see the two arguments intertwined, yet safeguarding the workplace is quite possible even where THC is legal. Jessica Ollenburg, CMC, CPCM, is Managing Partner of Ollenburg LLC and former CEO of HRS, Inc., enjoying a 35+ year legacy with topic success. Ollenburg LLC delivers award-winning executive consulting relative to talent management science, employment law and consulting Chief Officer acumen. Credentials, awards and more information are available at www.OllenburgLLC.com. Copyright © 2019 by Ollenburg LLC. Join the IBAW new ‘Company’ page on LinkedIN IBAW has a new “Company” page on LinkedIn. Click the link below to follow us and keep up to date on all the latest happenings.Since it is fairly new, we’d like to get the word out so please share our page with your business associates. LINK: https://www.linkedin.com/company/independent- business-association-of-wisconsin-ibaw/
IBAW / DALE CARNEGIE PRESIDENTS CIRCLE
A LEADERSHIP PROGRAM FOR CEOs,
PRESIDENTS, AND BUSINESS OWNERS
As the CEO, President, or Owner
you are asked to produce more
results with fewer resources, meet
and exceed competition, innovate
and motivate. This creates very
difficult teams and leadership
challenges. Leaders must
encourage teamwork, bottom-up
idea generation, alignment,
loyalty and above all commitment.
Rather than direct and dictate,
leaders must inspire and motivate!
The Presidents Circle:
The IBAW and Dale Carnegie
Training have developed an
exclusive Leadership program for
I B A W m e m b e r s o n l y. Th e
Presidents Circle combines peer
group engagement and highly
targeted executive Dale Carnegie Training among peers to help you achieve significant results. These results will be
achieved by providing insights, peer challenges, and developing leadership skills which are aligned with your
organization and which will help drive agendas. By combining corporate mission, vision and values with our unique
methodology employees will begin supporting a world they helped create.Ultimately, the only sustainable competitive
advantage is the innovation, motivation, and creativity of the employees of an organization. Establishing a strong
leadership culture provides the environment where innovation and creativity can flourish.
Program Specifics:
• Meetings with other IBAW CEOs/Presidents/Business Owners
• 10 monthly meetings Program Leader:
• Dale Carnegie Executive Leadership Training workshop each session. Steve Bobowski
• Round Table Issues Discussed and Resolved
• Guided Yearly planning
• Accountability among peers.
“Knowledge isn’t power
• Business Results
until it is applied.”
The President’s Circle will help you achieve results by:
• Providing training among peers -Dale Carnegie
• Creating and sustaining change initiatives
• Ensure continuous improvement and bottom-line impact
• Align the organization behind a common vision
• Develop a habit of fact-based decision making at every level.
• Strengthen and implement strategic planning
• Create a value based culture to ensure loyalty
• Build energy and trust up and down the organization to insure customer loyalty.
Commitments:
• Attend meetings
• No cost for meetings, a benefit of IBAW membership For more information, contact
• Referrals or 3 enrollments Program Leader Steve Bobowski
by clicking here.LES :
S A
2nd Monday of the Month
SALES ROUNDTABLE 7:30 am - 9:00 am
Free & open to IBAW members only
Register at IBAW.com
Sales can be a tough road of ups, downs, potholes and a few bumps.
But it can also be fast paced, exhilarating and rewarding.
If you’re in sales, you know there are things only other sales people understand; the thrill of scoring the big account, the
uncertainty of “let me think about that.”, the frustration of phone calls or emails that don’t get returned. IBAW’s Sales
Roundtable is a support and knowledge resource for sales professionals, business owners, marketing and branding experts
who are charged with driving sales.
Join us to discuss the strategy, tactics, inspiration, and motivation to increase sales. It’s a FREE benefit of your membership!
Who should attend: “For many years I ran sales meetings for
as few as 3 and as many as 22 sales rep’s
• Sales professionals of any level. now I can go as a participant once a
• Business owners month to IBAW’s Sales Roundtable.
• Sales Managers
It’s a focused meeting and everyone
• Marketing & P.R. Professionals BONUS! wants the same thing – to be more
Join the IBAW Sales Roundtable and get a
compact disc with the BEST in Sales Survival effective at selling.”
Music. Play it to pump you up before that big
meeting or to console you if you hit a sales
- Jerry Wick, CEO, Custom Data Too Mail
slump. Guaranteed to make life better.IBAW Public Policy Committee Hosts
Legislative Roundtable in Brookfield
The IBAW Public Policy Committee hosts a
Legislative Roundtable every spring and fall
featuring representatives from Madison to discuss
important issues business owners face. It’s your
opportunity to speak to your elected officials. Past
meetings have had representatives State Senator
Lena Taylor, Senator Chris Kapenga, Dave Craig,
Representative Rob Hutton, Joe Sanfelippo,
Christine Sinicki, Samantha Kirkman, Jason
Fields, and State Senator Dale Kooyenga.
Meetings are held at the offices of Sikich in
Brookfield.
Next Legislative Roundtable is Fall for 2019!
Welfare reform, excessive business regulations and
the ever increasing shortage of a competent
workforce were the main concerns of business
owners as well as crime and the state of Milwaukee
Public Schools.
Look for the next Legislative Roundtable this fall!IBAW is on an upward trend of growth and we are actively recruiting businesses just like yours to
join!
When you join IBAW your entire company is a member - anyone from your team can attend our
fine educational and networking events.
Help yourself, your business AND your Team Members.
Come on in...we’re open for business!
nline!
Join o
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2019 Membership Committee
Jake Hansen Mike Poludniak
Bob Gross Jacsten Holdings Merrill Lynch
Gross AutomationLegislative Fix Moving Ahead for Wisconsin’s
New Manufacturing & Agricultural Credit
Jim Brandenburg, CPA, MST - Sikich LLP
In IBAW meetings and publications in recent years we have introduced you to Wisconsin’s
new tax incentive - the Wisconsin Manufacturing and Agriculture Credit (referred to as the
“MAC”). The MAC came about in 2011 to provide an incentive for Wisconsin
manufacturers and agricultural companies to remain and grow here, and also perhaps to
have out-of-state companies move here. It was scheduled to begin in 2013, and when fully
Magazine Content Needed - phased-in by 2016 it would essentially exempt any Wisconsin manufacturing and
agricultural income from Wisconsin income tax. The MAC was championed by
Representative Dale Kooyenga and Senator Glenn Grothman in the legislature.
Consider Submitting an Article! The MAC, however, had some problems for individual taxpayers when it was drafted and this glitch was
recently identified. Here is the issue in a nutshell: the MAC would reduce a taxpayer’s Wisconsin individual
income tax, but then would trigger a Wisconsin minimum tax for nearly the same amount. Thus, there may be
little, if any, net savings for the MAC in 2013 (a “MAC Attack?”). The legislature is trying to remedy this
situation now so that taxpayers can realize the proper tax savings with the MAC on their 2013 Wisconsin
individual tax returns.
The IBAW magazine is in need of content, we rely on our Legislative Update: It seems that all key legislative leaders are now on board to correct this issue. It was
approved by the legislature’s Joint Finance Committee last week. The Senate and Assembly will be in session in
members and sponsors to supply us informative articles. The March and voting on final passage for several bills, one of which is this tax bill with the MAC correction. It looks
like the legislative timetable will have the bill passed near the middle of the March, before going to the Governor.
digital magazine is sent out to over 650 contacts statewide and Thus, a best guess now is that the bill would be enacted into law somewhere in the latter half of March, 2014.
MAC Attack Options: For any of our individual taxpayers taking advantage of the MAC, this may present some
the magazine is parked on the web where, on average, it gets filings logistics. Here are the possibilities:
over 1100 views. 1. Best case scenario - in some cases the taxpayer’s share of the MAC for 2013 will be used and not result in a
Wisconsin Minimum Tax. A taxpayer in this situation could go ahead and claim the MAC and file their 2013
Wisconsin individual return. There would be no need to wait for the legislation to pass.
Consider writing an article on a timely business related topic to 2. Next, a taxpayer has generated a MAC for 2013, but it will trigger a Wisconsin Minimum Tax. The taxpayer in
this case could wait until the law is changed (and then wait a little for the WDR to update its computer
your particular field of business. This is an outstanding processing systems) and then file their Wisconsin tax return and claim the MAC, and not incur the Wisconsin
Minimum Tax. This could present a tight timeline for the April 15 deadline, and you may need to file for an
opportunity for you and your company to gain exposure and extension.
increase your brand awareness to a statewide audience. There 3. Similar case as #2, but this taxpayer could file their Wisconsin individual return with the MAC, but also incur
and pay a Wisconsin Minimum Tax for 2013. Then, once the corrective law is enacted go back and file an
amended 2013 Wisconsin tax return to obtain the proper tax benefit of the MAC. You would not need extend, but
is no cost to submitting an article. you would need to amend.
We’ll keep you posted as this legislation moves forward.
If you have any questions, please contact Jim Brandenburg or Brian Kelley at Sikich, LLP in Brookfield (262)754-9400.
Contact Steve Kohlmann for details.
Articles submitted by our
members & sponsors. Meeting Recaps
2014 Wisconsin Manufacturing Knowledge Summit
Welcome New IBAW Members! On June 20, 2014 the IBAW partnered with the Tool,
Die & Machining Association of Wisconsin (TDMAW) to
offer Wisconsin manufacturers and their suppliers a
unique look at trends within the industry and to also
report on some of the challenges the industry faces in
Power Test the next 5 years. 2
Power Test, Inc. is an industry leader in the design, manufacture and Special thanks to the event sponsor, First Business
implementation of dynamometers and control systems. Bank for their efforts in helping organize this event.
For more than 37 years, Power Test has provided specialized test
3
equipment to manufacturers, rebuilding facilities and distributors Chris Halaska
globally. Our products can be found in use at these facilities in nearly 100
countries on six continents.
1
Our headquarters and manufacturing operations are located in Sussex,
WI with sales representatives worldwide. Our unparalleled customer
service is well known throughout the industry.
Power Test employs a dedicated staff of talented machinists, fabricators,
electronic technicians, assemblers, designers, engineers, software Power Test
developers, and administrative and customer service personnel. N60 W22700 Silver Spring Drive
Sussex, WI 53089
Our exceptional product life and excellent customer service is well
known throughout the industry and has made us one of the industry- Phone: 262-252-4301
leading dynamometer manufacturers. Our dedication to the customer
and to the advances in powertrain component testing keep us there.
4
Advanced Waste Services
Advanced Waste Services is an environmental services company that provides wastewater recycling and other waste and Photo Key
risk elimination services to manufacturers in all industries. Each day, AWS helps hundreds of businesses, both large and
small, meet their community and environmental obligations. Annually, we collect, treat and recycle more than 1: A full house in the main ballroom of the Wisconsin Club as IBAW & 5
50 million gallons of contaminated wastewater into clean, reusable water and other valuable resources like fuel, steam and TDMAW members prepare to hear about the state of manufacturing
electricity. and the challenges the industry faces in the workforce.
AWS is constantly helping our clients manage, reinvent and improve
2: David Vetta of First Business Bank delivers opening remarks and
their sustainability successes. For example, we recently partnered with Forest County
Advanced Waste Services highlights the importance of a strong relationship between banking and
Potawatomi Community to help Wisconsin food and beverage manufacturers convert
1126 South 76th Street manufacturing working together for success.
food waste into clean, green renewable energy.
Suite N408B
West Allis, WI 53214
Founded in 1993, AWS employs 55 people in the Milwaukee area and a total of 150 3: New IBAW President, John Weber of Hypneumat addresses the
people companywide in 5 states. change in IBAW Bylaws and calls for voting in new board officers.
414-847-7100
4: Kent Lorenz of Acieta gives the main presentation on “Manufacturing
Matters” pointing out the trends on manufacturing now and what to
expect in the future.
5: Outgoing IBAW President, Steve Van Lieshout receives his award
6
for his efforts as 2013 - 2014.
Photos courtesy of Tim Townsend.
6: IBAW Executive Director, Steve Kohlmann (Left) presents David
Drumel with an award for his service on the IBAW board.
Spotlight on new membersGet Connected. Get Inspired. Get Informed.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS.
Click on their name to visit their website.
AT&T
ITU AbsorbTech BSI - Design, Build, Furnish
Park Bank Annex Wealth Management
Ixonia Bank BMO Harris
Advantage + Powertest
Johnson Financial Group Red Elephant Chocolate
Sikich Reinhart, Boerner, Van Deuren, S.C.
Lauber Trusted Business Partners Hypneumat Mfg
RW Baird Staff Electric
von Briesen Olgletree Deakins
Vrakas Wisconsin Lutheran College
Boerke Co. Gross Automation
Rickert Industries
Bentley World Packaging
Merrill Lynch Sponsor support helps IBAW continue to bring
insightful programming to small business owners.
Help keep Wisconsin business strong!
Ask about becoming a sponsor today!Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
who make your IBAW programing possible.
Click on their logo to visit their website.
Senior Sponsors
Media Sponsor
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Benefactor Sponsors
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Defender of Business Sponsors
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X World Packaging
Small Business Champions
RICKERTINDUSTRIES, INC.
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XXX XXX
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XXXXXXXTHERE’S ROOM AT THE TABLE
As an advocate for small business, the IBAW offers intimate meetings on
relevant topics such as Leadership, HR, Sales, and
Political Issues.
Business Leaders...Leading Business
Join us.
“ I almost always come away from an IBAW meeting with useable material that helps
me with my business. Many times, a speaker will give me something that applies to
ITU AbsorbTech. Other times, it is a conversation over breakfast that gives me value.”
Jim Leef, President & CEO, ITU AbsorbTech
“Being involved with a business organization like the IBAW is critical for small
business owners in Wisconsin for growth and to have a voice with government.”
Rich Meeusen, CEO, Badger Meter.
Education • Networking • Political Advocacy
BUSINESS LEADERS...LEADING BUSINESS www.ibaw.com / 262-844-0333 / IBAWOffice@gmail.comIBAW
960 Timber Pass
Brookfield, WI 53045
Office: 262-844-0333
IBAW.com
Membership Application
Name______________________________________________Company_________________________________________
Address____________________________________________City, State, Zip_____________________________________
Phone______________________Email Address_____________________________Website______________________________
MEMBERSHIP INVESTMENT
IBAW membership is based on the number of full time employees in your company.
Number of employee in your company AMOUNT
1 - 15 Employees ...............$300.00
16 - 25 Employees ...............$400.00
26 - 49 Employees.................$500.00
50 or more Employees...........$600.00
SPECIAL OPTION: Prepay breakfasts meetings. Get 12 for the price of 10! $320.00
Amount Enclosed
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS apply to your entire team.
- Monthly Sales Roundtable - free with membership
- Monthly 5 Star Breakfast Program
- C Level Peer to Peer Networking
- Monthly Digital Statewide Magazine - free with membership
- Informative Workshops
- Business Behind the Scenes Tours
- Legislative Updates and Representation from Madison and Washington D.C.
… AND MORE!
Paying By Check? Please make check payable to IBAW. Want to pay credit card? If you would like to pay by Visa,
MasterCard or American Express, you can pay online at IBAW.com or by calling the IBAW office at 262-844-0333.You can also read
