Faith Technologies logs notable lost-time achievement

Faith Technologies, a full-service electrical and specialty systems contractor with 15 locations in five states has reached an impressive milestone: Surpassing three million hours worked without a lost-time accident.

“This is a rare accomplishment that many companies strive to reach, but few achieve,” says Ted Sommer, director of safety at Menasha-based Faith Technologies. “After surpassing two million hours with no lost-time accidents last October, we challenged employees to continue to work each day safely so that we could reach the next milestone. We are committed to safety excellence and our employees are proof that no task is worth doing without taking the time to do it safely.”

With nearly 1,500 employees, Faith Technologies has continued to work since Dec. 28, 2008, without a lost-time incident. This includes completing more than 19,000 projects throughout five states safely.

Northeast Wisconsin Business Plan Competition winners announced

Jeff Leismer of VibeTech, Inc. in Sheboygan County was the first prize of $10,000 in the Northeast Wisconsin Business Plan competition final round on March 8. VibeTech produces leading edge vibration therapy equipment for medical rehabilitation and prevention of muscle and bone loss.

“The NEWREP business plan competition highlights not only the importance of entrepreneurship, but also the importance of planning,” says Christina Trombley, UWGB Small Business Development Center and contest judge. “Business plans can be an integral part of the success of business, whether they are just beginning or are looking at their next growth opportunity.”

In addition to Vibe Tech, this year’s NEWREP winners include:

• Second Place: Door Landscape and Nursery, Egg Harbor

• Third place: Hilde’s Deli and Bakery LLC, Chilton

• Fourth place:  Bill-Ray Home Mobility LLC, Appleton

• Fifth place: Big Bubble Cup, Brown County

Prize money totaling $25,000 was allocated to the five prize winners and it must be used to put the businesses’ business plans into action within one year of receipt.

The NEWREP Competition encourages the preparation of business plans for start-up businesses, making significant changes to existing businesses or launching new products in Northeast Wisconsin. 

MOVERS

>> Neenah-based Community Living Solutions LLC has added Aaron Klug, Associate AIA, project designer, and Matt McGregor, project manager

>> Cleaning Systems Inc. of DePere has hired Dave Wingert as vice president of sales for its DynaEdge Division. 

>> Christopher Monroe has been promoted to director – corporate and commercial accounts at Total Relocation Services Inc. in Green Bay.

>> Appleton has named Jeff Fletcher as vice president of financial operations. Pat Jermain has been named company controller. Andrew J. Bagnall has been named as president and CEO of St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan; Cory J. Spice, CPA, recently accepted the position of financial site manager.

>> The Fond du Lac Economic Development Corp. has added Business Strategists Owen Rock and Brett Traver.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

NEW NORTH: Thirteen companies in the New North were included in Inc. magazine’s 5,000 fastest growing companies in the United States in 2009. Eight of the top 15 largest private companies in Wisconsin — with more than $50 million in sales — are headquartered in the New North, encompassing a wide range of industries, from logistics to insurance.

FRIESLAND: Alsum Produce Inc. has changed its name to Alsum Farms & Produce Inc. to better reflect its long-term growth plans and commitment to locally grown produce. The company will continue its growth through innovative new potato products, expanded offerings in fruits and vegetables, continued improvement in sustainable practices and by building awareness of Wisconsin potatoes. The firm has also developed a new logo with the tagline, “Integrity from field to fork.”

BROWN COUNTY: Marketing and administration of Brown County’s Revolving Loan Fund (BCRLF) program has been transferred to Advance, the economic development arm of the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce. The BCRLF is designed to encourage new business development as well as the expansion or retention of businesses already located in Brown County, offering a competitive financing option for capital improvements or investments necessary to create, expand or maintain employment opportunities and production levels within the county. The loan program typically funds qualified equipment purchases, working capital needs, land/building purchases or other non-construction related expenditures.