ambassador

AMBASSADORS CLUB

Our Ambassadors represent the Portage County Business Council to new and prospective members. These dedicated volunteers help to keep the Business Council growing and going strong.

Mission
The Ambassadors Club involves a group of active Business Council members in the development and growth of the Business Council through the use of membership recruitment and retention programs.

Why an Ambassadors Club and What is it?
They are a volunteer group who provide critical services by interacting between the Business Council and its members. They host and attend ribbon cutting/groundbreaking ceremonies and open houses held by new businesses and new and existing members. They also assist Business Council staff as greeters, registration and name tag volunteers at events, and plan the annual golf outing.

More Information
Download an Ambassador Application Form. Users must have a .pdf reader installed and configured on their Web browser to view .pdf files. The Acrobat Reader is available free at Adobe's Website.

Click here to request an ambassador visit.
For more information, contact us.

OUR 2012 AMBASSADORS
	Ambassador Chairperson Nyra Lind ABR Employment Services Nyra Lind has over 10 years of experience helping people find employment in Wisconsin. She joined ABR Employment Services in 2001 and has since found employment for hundreds of area residents, serving over 200 businesses in Central Wisconsin. Nyra is a member of the Stevens Point Human Resources Association, American Staffing Association, and WI Association of Staffing Services. She enjoys golfing, getting together with girlfriends and being with her two children, Nadia and Oliver.

	Vice President Nathan Pezewski Liberty Mutual Insurance Nathan Pezewski is a Sales Representative for Liberty Mutual Insurance, a leading provider of Auto, Home, Life, Liability, Annuities, and other personal insurance products. Specializing in designing a personal program to meet the clients needs, he offers coverage options specific to their situation. He has been an agent for 9 years and enjoys helping individuals and families protect their assets. Born and raised in the Stevens Point area, Nathan enjoys spending time with his wife Heather and 3 daughters, visiting with friends, boating, and golfing.

	Ambassador Secretary/Treasurer Juany Heck Advanced Neck and Back Care Center Juany Heck is the Office Manager for the Advanced Neck and Back Care Center. The main focus of the Center is to provide pain relief to their patients naturally without the use of drugs or surgery. She has been involved in the chiropractic field for 26 years. Juany is a current member and past president of the Wisconsin Chiropractic Assistants Associations. She is also a member of the American Chiropractic Registry of Radiologic Technologists, CIFSC executive board members, parent leader for SPASH Hockey and Pacelli Poms, church volunteer and Catholic school system volunteer. Her main focus has been supporting her children's interests. As a native of Stevens Point she is thankful for the opportunity to give.

	Sarah Agena-Wright Adventure 212 LLC Sarah Agena-Wright is the Corporate Wellness Manager and Dietitian for Adventure 212 Fitness. Sarah has been with Adventure 212 Fitness since 2009 and her duties include coordinating on-site wellness programs for area businesses. She’s originally from Milwaukee but moved here when her fiancé took a job as a professor at UWSP. In her spare time Sarah likes to cook, spend time with her family and race for the Adventure 212 Fitness cycling team.

	Marion Binder EB Sommers, Inc. Marion Binder recently retired from her position as Office Manager and Project Coordinator at EB Sommers, Inc., a general contractor specializing in small- to mid-size commercial construction. Marion has been with EB Sommers, Inc. for thirty-five years. Marion and her husband Don keep busy with their family of four children, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. When not busy with family, they enjoy golfing and traveling.

	Holly Carter Central City Credit Union Holly Carter is the Membership Development Specialist for Central City Credit Union. She has worked for Central City since 2009 and her job duties include financial education, public relations and marketing. Holly received her bachelor’s degree in Management from University of Phoenix in 2007. She enjoys volunteering and community involvement, she is currently a member of the Stevens Point Noon Optimist Club, Junior Achievement board member, 2010 Leadership Portage County Graduate, Stevens Point Police Department Citizens Academy Graduate and serves on the Wisconsin Credit Union League Young Professionals Council. Holly is also the co-owner of Lucky 13 Properties, LLC.

	Chris Charewicz Manpower Chris recently joined Manpower in Stevens Point as the Area Business Development Manager, and is happy to be back in the area. With a background in hotel sales for over 18 years, Chris is excited to be working in an industry not only teaming qualified associates with companies, but helping to positively impact the local economy. Chris and her husband John have lived in the Stevens Point area since graduating from UWSP. She is also an outside sales agent for Global Travel and a VIP consultant for BeautiControl. She enjoys volunteering with Reading First, being on the Advisory Board for the Crisis Center, United Way, and when possible working with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Boys & Girls Clubs.

	Jeff Ebel SCORE Jeff built his career around woodworking and manufacturing management, spending thirteen years in management at Lullabye Furniture and Joerns Healthcare of Stevens Point. In 1989, he started Ebel Woodworking, Inc, an architectural woodworking company. Building a successful business with the help of his business partner, Jeff sold his ownership in the business to his partner in 2007. Jeff is also a volunteer counselor and Chapter Chair of the Central Wisconsin Chapter of SCORE providing free counseling to small businesses. He's also involved with the local Home Builders Association, Toastmasters and AWI (Architectural Woodwork Institute), where he is serving as President of the Wisconsin Chapter.

	Amber Haferman Wellington Place of Whiting Amber Haferman is the Administrator at Wellington Place of Whiting. Wellington Place is a non-profit Independent Retirement Living Center. Amber, husband Brian and 2 young boys are originally from the community. She has recently finished her bachelor's degree in marketing and business administration. On her time off she enjoys running, golfing, and spending time with her family.

	Lenore Haferman Haferman and Ilten Law Firm Lenore Haferman is part of the Haferman Ilten Law Firm. She has raised her family here and says it is a wonderful place to live. She is very active in Kiwanis, and the community in general. She also has a health business and is a tour director for Lamers. She spends her winters being an active curler in the Stevens Point Curling Club.

	Susan Jackan Bull's Eye Credit Union Susan Jackan is the Marketing Director for Bull’s Eye Credit Union. She develops and manages creative marketing campaigns such as direct mail, advertisements, special events, internal and external newsletters and staff training. Susan joined the Credit Union in January 1993. She is a member of the Credit Union National Association Marketing Council and the Credit Union Executive Society.

	Sharon Beck Jakusz Big Brothers Big Sisters Sharon Beck Jakusz is a lifelong resident of the Stevens Point area. Along her career path, she had the privilege to work in the medical and social services fields for both for-profit and non-profit organizations. Currently Sharon is employed by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Wisconsin as its Executive Director. She is a 2010 Leadership Portage County graduate. Sharon enjoys gardening, walking, kayaking and time with her husband, Rhody, their children and grandchildren.

	Sharon Kempen Pat's CARSTAR Sharon Kempen is a Customer Service Representative with Pat’s CARSTAR. She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development/Resources from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and an Associate Degree in Marketing from Mid-State Technical College. Sharon has lived in various parts of Wisconsin and came to settle in Portage County in October, 2006. She is a Leadership Portage County graduate. Sharon and her husband have two active children and an even more active dog.

	Mary Lane Associated Bank Mary Lane has been working in banking in Portage County for 20 years with experience in customer service, loan origination and management. She is currently the Mortgage Loan Officer for Associated Bank. Mary has been an Ambassador for over four years and enjoys networking opportunities. She resides in Plover with her husband Steve and two boys, Seth and Jordan. She is best described as an "enthusiast", especially when it comes to golf, skiing and travel.

	Carol Lester WoodTrust Bank, N.A. Carol Lester has been in the financial industry since 1988 when she moved to the Stevens Point/Plover area. She has been employed with WoodTrust Bank since January, 2007 as a mortgage/consumer lender. WoodTrust Bank is a full-service commercial bank that has been independently owned and operated since 1891, specializing in business and consumer banking. Carol is a member of the Plover Kiwanis Club and enjoys golfing, Brewer baseball games and spending time with her two granddaughters.

	Denese Mace Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, Inc. - Portage and Wood Counties District Denese is the Director of Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, Inc. in Portage and Wood Counties. She is a native of Stevens Point, but recently moved back to the area after living in Milwaukee for 15 years. Denese received her Bachelor of Science degree from UWSP in Political Science and Sociology. She lives in Plover with her husband and two children. They are active in area youth sports and Pacelli football. She is an avid runner and triathlete but most enjoys spending time with her family.

	Nicole Meeks CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Nicole Meeks has been employed with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP since 1999 and currently resides in Stevens Point. Her responsibilities include strategic/tactical marketing and public relations for the 14 offices located in Wisconsin. Nicole holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Marketing from Lakeland College, Sheboygan, WI. She is a member of the Association for Accounting Marketing, and her community involvement includes being a Chairperson for the American Cancer Society/Team Schierl Companies Walk/Run.

	Andrea Ogren US Bank Andrea Ogren has been with US Bank since 2002. She currently works in the Stevens Point office and holds a position of Business Development and Private Banking Manager. She is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Portage County. She enjoys boating, fishing and spending time with her family and friends.

	Kathy Ostrowski Team Schierl Companies Kathy Ostrowski is the Marketing and Sales Support Manager for Team Schierl Companies. Her responsibilities include the coordination of all corporate public relations needs and the advertising and marketing for the 44 retail facilities including convenience stores, Goodyear tire and service facilities, Subway and Cousins Subs restaurants. She also assists in the coordination of all company-sponsored events such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association Golf Classic and The American Cancer Society/Team Schierl Companies Walk/Run.

	Jacob Peterson Peterson Family Chiropractic Jacob Peterson is the owner of Peterson Family Chiropractic, in which he brings 6 years of clinical experience. A Wisconsin Rapids native and a graduate of UWSP, Jacob looks forward to becoming involved in the area again after living in La Crosse for the past several years. He enjoys educating his patients about choosing a natural approach to wellness and having them become an active participant in their own health. Along with traditional chiropractic care, Peterson Family Chiropractic also offers advice on rehab exercises, ergonomics and injury prevention. Dr. Peterson also has an interest in how proper nutrition can affect certain health conditions, as well as overall health.

	Dorothy Pientka Community First Bank Dorothy Pientka has been in the banking field for 31 years and is currently Vice President of Community First Bank. She has received the Ambassador of the Year Award in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. Dorothy has served on various boards and committees, including the Golden Sands Home Builders Association, Stevens Point Noon Optimist Club, United Way and the Portage County Business Council. Dorothy and her husband George own Pientka Auction Services and have two sons and three grandchildren.

	Tina Pilarski River View Lodge Tina Pilarski is the Director at River View Lodge of Stevens Point. River View Lodge is an Assisted Living Facility located on the beautiful Wisconsin River. Tina is originally from the Stevens Point / Plover area. She is actively involved in the community and on her time off enjoys spending time outdoors.

	Stacey Robertson M3 Insurance Solutions, Inc. Stacey Robertson is an Account Executive in the Wausau office of M3 Insurance Solutions for Business (M3) since 2001. She coordinates the growth and retention of business with employee benefits clients. Stacey is licensed in health and life insurance and has achieved the designation of Group Benefits Disability Specialist (GBDS). She has volunteered her time to support the fund-raising efforts of the United Way and served as a coordinator for M3’s annual participation in the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk. Stacey has also served as a VIP volunteer fundraiser for Easter Seals of Wisconsin.

	Denny Rosenthal The Worth Company Denny Rosenthal has been in the Fishing Tackle business for 22 years. Thirteen years ago she moved here from California to take a position at The Worth Company. Her position is Director of Customer Service and International Sales and has traveled quite a bit for business and pleasure. She is a 2010 graduate of Leadership Portage County. Denny enjoys writing, cooking, going for walks and spending time with her daughters.

	Terri Taylor UWSP Foundation Terri Taylor is the Director of Major Events at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where she has worked for the past seventeen years. She came to Stevens Point in 1987 after completing a fellowship at the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington, D.C. and field studies at the Wisconsin Historical Society in Madison. Terri has been involved in the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestras, League of Women Voters, Leadership Portage County, Toastmasters, and the Zonta Club of Stevens Point.

	Jan Thurier M&I Bank Jan Thurier has been with the M&I Corporation since September 1972. She currently works in the Stevens Point office and holds the position of Vice President and Branch Manager. Jan’s responsibilities include overseeing the daily sales and operational activities for the bank. She and her husband Lorne have two children.

	Dawn Thrun International Bank of Amherst Dawn Thrun has been in the banking field in Central Wisconsin for over 27 years. She is currently a loan officer with the International Bank of Amherst. She enjoys her work as an Ambassador because of the networking opportunities and because the Portage County Business Council facilitates programs that benefit our educational system, our businesses and improve community life. Dawn sees volunteering as a way to help make Portage County a wonderful place to live.

	Janelle Tubbs US Cellular

	Kevin White Applied Tech Kevin White works for Applied Tech – Stevens Point as a Systems Specialist. He has lived in Portage County since moving to Wisconsin in 2001. Previous to his current position, Kevin worked for Jones Publishing in Iola, WI for seven years as the IS Manager. He is a Microsoft Certified Engineer (MCSE) with 12 years of experience in providing Technology Solutions for businesses. Kevin is married with three boys.

	Rob Wyman Rob has nineteen years of banking experience in Portage County. He graduated from UW-Stevens Point and received his MBA from UW-Oshkosh. Rob is a member of the Portage County Agri-Business Committee, 2006 Graduate of Leadership Portage County, Clerk in the Village of Elderon, and musician with the variety band The Drovers.