On Oct. 23, the In Business Expo & Conference at the Alliant Energy Center attracted more than 1,300 attendees — nearly a 10% increase over 2012 — and a record 121 exhibitors. “The expo is a highlight event for our company each year,” said Kevin Lucius, vice president at Powderkeg-Econoprint. “The caliber of the show attendees and exhibitors is a great fit for us.”
The day began with J.P. Hansen, author of The Bliss List, clueing in an eager breakfast crowd on how to create their career bliss.
Another highlight was Boothtag, which allowed attendees to scan QR codes for points by attending events, visiting exhibits, and participating in activities. “With the addition of Boothtag, I have all the information needed to put together a strong post-show follow-up and build some new working relationships,” said Juan E. Lopez, sales manager at Hellenbrand, Inc. Congratulations go out to Angela Emerson of U wireless for earning the most Boothtag points. Dozens of prizes were award to the top point earners.
Several award programs were held throughout the day. Winners of the IB Business Sustainability Awards, represented in the photo below, reflect the business community’s commitment to the environment. They included:
- Sustainable Large Business: Epic
- Eco-Service of the Year: Cool Choices
- Sustainable Visionary: LeeAnn Glover, American Family Insurance
- Sustainable Small Business: FIRE Light Group
- Sustainable Workforce Development: American Family Insurance
- Eco-Efficiency Initiative: Union Cab Cooperative of Madison
A noon luncheon honored the area’s finest financial professionals at IB’s first annual CFO Awards presentation. Kudos to these outstanding men and women for their fiscal leadership (left to right):
- Public Organization: Jim Ropella, CFO, First Business Financial Services, Inc.
- Nonprofit Organization: Rick Spiel, executive VP and CFO, United Way of Dane County, Inc.
- Small Business: Suzanne Scheuerman, finance director, Habitat for Humanity
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Kevin Klagos, CFO, First Choice Dental
- Large Business: Michael D. Buhl, senior VP-finance and CFO, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics
- Medium Business: Tom Golden, executive VP-corporate services, M3 Insurance
(Continued)
Not to be outdone was our second Fittest Executives competition, which pitted the fittest against the fittest, and the wannabe fittest against themselves. These folks, monitored by the experts at Meriter Heart Wisconsin and Pinnacle Health Club, committed to a six-month challenge to improve their physical well-being. Putting us all to shame (in a good way) were (left to right):
- Most Improved Woman: Kristine Ashe, vice president, Park Bank
- Man Over 50: Mark Burish, founder/director/shareholder, Hurley, Burish and Stanton
- Woman Over 50: Mary Woolsey Schlaefer, president/CEO, Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corp.
- Woman Under 50: Jessica Anderson, owner, Fleet Feet Sports Madison
- Man Under 50: Jeff Haupt, owner, Red Carpet Media, LLC
- Most Improved Man: (not pictured) Ted Straus, EVP/COO, Suttle-Straus, Inc.
The fourth annual In Business Expo & Conference is scheduled for Oct. 22, 2014. Mark your calendars!
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