Monday, November 28, 2011

Hunger and the Holidays in Milwaukee

Listen to the show: Hunger Task Force and Milwaukee Rescue Mission

Diane welcomes Sherrie Tussler, Executive Director for Hunger Task Force, and Pat Vanderburgh, Executive Director for the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, to the show this week to talk about how these organizations operate and help people in the Milwaukee area. Find out what these organizations do and learn how you can get involved this holiday season.

About Hunger Task Force
Get connected: http://www.hungertaskforce.org/ | 414.777.0483
Hunger Task Force was founded in 1974 by a group of concerned parents worried about children going to school hungry. Then, in 1977, they responded to community need by opening a food bank to distribute free food to local charities that feed the hungry. More than 4,000 people volunteer each year, putting their time and talent to work across all areas of the agency. Hunger Task Force charges no fees and receives no United Way funding, so most of their budget is raised through ongoing solicitations from foundations, corporations, labor unions and individuals. Hunger Task Force attacks hunger on two fronts: Advocacy and Food Banking.

About Milwaukee Rescue Mission
Get connected: http://www.milmission.org/ | 414.344.2211
The Milwaukee Rescue Mission opened in 1893, and since then the Milwaukee Rescue Mission has reached out with compassion for the poor, hungry and homeless of the Milwaukee community. Each day, they provide food and shelter for up to 400 men, women and children who might have nowhere else to turn without the Milwaukee Rescue Mission. In addition to meeting their immediate needs, they provide the training, support and guidance they need to rebuild their lives.

Monday, November 21, 2011

The Latest Technology

Listen to the show: The Latest Technology

Return guest host Jason Kayzar, President and Director of National Accounts for MC2, a telecommunications company that assists businesses with their connectivity, was on the air to discuss the latest technology and gadgets. Listen to learn about new tools to keep you and your business connected to the rest of the world.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Employer Sponsored Health Plans & The Year in Review

Listen to the show: Terry Frett & Employer Sponsored Health Plans

Listen to resident benefits expert Terry Frett from Frett Barrington Ltd. discuss employer sponsored health plans and what developments and changes have taken place in this area over the past year. Terry and Diane will review things such as the expansion of preventive care services under the Federal Health Care Law, as well as updates specific to Wisconsin, like the recognition of HSA tax qualified status. Get all of your questions answered!

Monday, October 24, 2011

The Business of Beauty

Listen to the show: Dr. George Korkos, Rejuva

George Korkos, M.D. F.A.C.S., the Medical Director for Rejuva Skin Care & Wellness in Waukesha, Wis., joined Diane in the studio last Saturday to discuss the business of beauty. How can we stay and look vital? How important is vitality, image and beauty in today's business world? How can baby boomers better compete with younger, seemingly more vital and tech savvy professionals? 

Dr. Korkos has been practicing plastic surgery for more than 40 years, but has recently been focusing on less evasive ways to make patients more youthful. Listen to last week's show to hear him and Diane discuss beauty and its role in business today.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Business in the State of Wisconsin

Listen to the show: Mark O'Connell and Rep. Vos

This is the second show in a two-part series where Executive Director of the Wisconsin Counties Association Mark O'Connell talks to a Wisconsin state representative to learn more about how Wisconsin is doing as a state right now. Mark and Representative Robin Vos will discuss the state of business in Wisconsin, where the state is going to be and how the state will utilize the recently created and modified programs to create jobs and business in the state.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Economic Development in the State of Wisconsin

Listen to the show: Mark O'Connell and Rep. Barca

This week Mark O'Connell, resident political expert and Executive Director of the Wisconsin Counties Association, is joined in the studio by Representative Peter Barca to discuss economic development in the state of Wisconsin.

This is the first part of a two part series. Next week Mark will talk to Representative Robin Vos about the State of Business in Wisconsin.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Fear in the Workplace with Intuitive Roi Solberg

Listen to the show: Fear in the Workplace

On October 1st "Business Solutions" resident intuitive Roi Solberg joined Diane in the studio to discuss fear in the workplace.

Over the past two years downsizing and lack of income and resources have left people unsure, feeling insecure and "on the brink," which leads to considerable stress. How are fear and stress impacting your business and your decisions and perhaps holding you back in significant ways?

Listen to Roi and Diane explore how fear affects your decision making, your interaction or lack of interaction with people in your office, and how to recognize the signs of fear permeating your workplace.

Roi Solberg is the author of Spirit of Archetypes: Cards of Spiritual Guidance, a self awareness tool including 48 cards and a comprehensive book. For more information about Roi and to order her book visit http://www.roisolberg.com/.

Monday, September 26, 2011

7th Anniversary "Open Mic" Show

Listen to the show: Open Mic Show

Diane Chamness and "Business Solutions" celebrated 7 years of being on the air on September 24, 2011. To celebrate the show and the spirit of entreprenuership, Diane opened the phone lines for business owners to call-in and talk to WISN 1130AM listeners and get some free advertising in the process!

Get inspired by other small business owners - listen to their stories, what they do, the type of customer they're looking for, and how you can get in touch.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Make Telecommunications Technology Work for Your Business

Listen to the show: Jason Kayzar, MC2

On September 17, 2011, Jason Kayzar played a double role as host and guest on "Business Solutions." Jason is the President and Director of National Accounts for MC2, a telecommunications company that supports clients on billing issues with carriers, network performance and new technology rollouts.

Listen to Jason and Paul discuss the latest and greatest in telecommunications technology - tablets, 4G, iPhones, voice over IP and more!

For more information about MC2 visit:
http://www.mc2wi.com/
414.276.2200

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

A Busy Summer with Great Guests

Chamness Group had a busy summer and we're sure you did too! Host Diane Chamness was joined in the studio by some interesting and inspiring guests in the last few months. Click on any link below to listen to the podcast:

Jul. 30, 2011 Small Business Administration's Eric Ness
Listen to Eric Ness, District Director for the Small Business Administration, discuss tips and give information on how to get business with the government and why you should want to.

Aug. 20, 2011 Dr. Debra Muth, Serenity Health Care 
Entrepreneurs and Health: How baby boomers can live a more vital life as they deal with the years of abuse on their bodies through stress, long hours and mounting responsibilities, as discussed with Dr. Debra Muth of Serenity Health Care.

Aug. 27, 2011 Terry Frett
The President of Frett Barrington Ltd discusses the future build out of the new State of Wisconsin Individual Purchasing Exchange and the Small Business health option Program (SHOP Exchange).

Sept. 3, 2011 Justin Juley, SMPS
The Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Wisconsin Chapter benefits and 2011 programs, and discussion of key concepts from the Build Business National Conference.

Sept. 10, 2011 Jim Tarantino, Capri Communities
How Capri Communities and other senior living apartment communities are preparing for the influx of retired baby boomers in the next 20 years by integrating RCAC, memory care and other special functions into their facilities.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Listen to the show: Habitat for Humanity ReStore
On Saturday, July 16, 2011, Director for Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Jeri Kavanaugh, joined Diane in the studio to talk about the ReStore and Vintage Tech E-cycling Event at State Fair this Saturday, July 23, 2011, from 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore is inviting the general public to bring all of their old electronics to the State Fair grounds for recycling, free of charge. In return, each person donating will receive a 50% off coupon to be used at the ReStore, located at 3015 N. 114th St. in Wauwatosa. 

For those not able to attend the E-cycling Event, you can still bring electronics for recycling to the ReStore. 

About Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Habitat for Humanity ReStore has partnered with Vintage Tech Recylers out of Illinois to recycle old electronics. The ReStore now accepts televisions, computers, microwaves, printers, copiers, monitors, radios, cd players, DVD players etc. and recycles them for money. The money is used to further Milwaukee Habitats mission of building affordable homes in the City of Milwaukee. 
  
The ReStore picks up donations as well and is open to the public. Donations are accepted up until one hour before closing.  
Store hours:
Tues, Thurs, Fri – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wed – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sat – 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
In addition the ReStore holds “how to” classes, such as how to tile, how to drywall, etc. You can check out our weekly sale items and what is new in the store by checking our website at www.milwaukeerestore.org

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

This Week: Small Business Administration's Bob Giesfeldt

Updated! Listen to the show: SBA

In the studio with Diane this week is Bob Giesfeldt, Lead Business Development Specialist with the Small Business Administration (SBA), Wisconsin District-Milwaukee.

Make sure to listen to the live show and call in with your questions about starting and running a small business in Wisconsin.

About SBA's Wisconsin District Office
The Wisconsin District Office is responsible for the delivery of SBA's many programs and services to the 72 counties of Wisconsin. They have offices located in both Madison and Milwaukee.

The Wisconsin office assists several hundred businesses each year by providing financial assistance through the 7(a) and 504 loan programs. The Wisconsin SBA assisted 2,115 businesses in obtaining over $551 million in Loans, and we assisted with 72 Micro Loans in the amount of $1,280,261 for fiscal year 2010 that ended September 30, 2010.

Services Available
Over the years, the SBA has developed many small business loan and assistance programs, special outreach efforts and initiatives to aid and inform small businesses. The following describes briefly all the services and information available through this office:

  • Free counseling, advice and information on starting a business are available through SCORE: Counselors to America's Small Business.
  • Financial assistance for new or existing businesses through guaranteed loans made by area bank and non-bank lenders.
  • Free consulting services through the network of Small Business Development Centers. SBDCs also conduct training events throughout the district - some require a nominal registration fee.
  • Women's Business Ownership Representatives are available to advise women business owners.
  • Special loan programs are available for businesses involved in international trade.
  • If you're a veteran, you can get business counseling and information about SBA guaranteed loans. In Wisconsin, contact Joe Rosner at (414) 297-1178. Joe can direct you to resource partners that best suit your business needs. SBA can also help veterans start or expand a business.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

4th of July Weekend Show - VETransfer

UPDATE! Listen to the show: VETransfer.org

On this Saturday's show Diane will be talking with Veteran Entrepreneurial Transfer executives Ted Lasser, Director with VETransfer and a Vietnam Air Force Veteran, and Nick Wichert, Director of Business Development and a VETransfer Coach.

Listen in to learn about VETransfer, why the program is important, what it means to veterans, and how veterans can get involved. 

About VETransfer (for more information visit www.vetransfer.org): 
As of March 28, 2011 VETransfer.org has been funded in part by the VA and soon through charitable donations via the Patriot Partner Program. The business accelerator program is earmarked through the Department of Veteran Affairs Innovation Initiative (VAi2) as a future GI Bill Benefit. All Veteran Entrepreneurs who served or are currently serving in the U.S. Military who are interested in starting a business should contact VETransfer. Regardless of your level of expertise, VETransfer can assist as much as or as little as you need to help you plan, launch, and succeed at running your business!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

It's that time of year again - SUMMERFEST!

Update! Listen to the show: Summerfest 
Summerfest - The World's Largest Music Festival right here in Milwaukee - is around the corner and this Saturday Diane will be talking live with Summerfest executives Don Smiley, President and Chief Executive Officer, and John Boler, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Tune in to hear about the latest and greatest this year at Summerfest:
June 29 – July 3 and July 5 – 10, 2011 (Closed on Monday, July 4)
Noon until midnight daily

Gate Admission Tickets
  • Adults and Children over 10: 
    • Weekday Admission Ticket $8 (valid Tuesday – Friday, prior to 4:00 pm)
    • General Admission Ticket $15 (valid anytime, including evenings after 4:00 pm and weekends)
  • Seniors (60 and over): $3 at all times
  • Children (10 and under): $3 at all times
  • Infants (2 and under): FREE
Advanced Sale Tickets
Visit Instant Tickets on Summerfest.com to purchase General Admission tickets.
3-Day Pass: $33 (Save $12 off the evening and weekend admission price!)

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

This Saturday - Business Succession Planning

Update! Listen to the show: Business Succession Planning
Listen in this Saturday as Diane and Carl Holborn, Attorney at Law with O'Neil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong & Laing S.C., discuss Business Succession Planning. They'll review many aspects of succession planning including:

  • Can the Business be transferred
  • To whom should the Business be transferred to
  • How much is the Business worth
  • And many other topics!

Carl assists individuals, executives, professionals, and business owners with estate and business planning, as well as trust and probate administration. He also focuses on estate, gift, and income taxation.

Make sure to listen live and call in to have your questions answered!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

2011 Lakefront Festival of Arts

Updated! Listen to the show: Lakefront Festival of Arts
The 2011 Lakefront Festival of Arts is coming up June 17 - 19, and this Saturday Diane will be talking with Mick Dwyer, Lakefront Festival of Arts Co-Chair, and Krista Renfrew, Milwaukee Art Museum's Special Events Director. Diane, Mick and Krista will talk about what is new at LFOA this year, who the artists will be, the "Summer of China" and more about the long-running festival, now in its 49th year!

Lakefront Festival of Arts
www.lfoa.mam.org

LFOA HOURS
Friday, June 17, 2011, Noon–9 PM
Saturday, June 18, 2011, 10 AM–7 PM
Sunday, June 19, 2011, 10 AM–5 PM

ADMISSION
$14 at the gate
$20 three-day pass
$8 for Milwaukee Art Museum Members with valid membership card. Free to kids under 16 with a paid adult.

PARKING
Official festival parking is available.

ADVANCE LFOA TICKETS
Order tickets online.
Advance ticket sale locations available starting May 23.
For more information, call 414-224-3253

OFFICIAL LFOA PROGRAM
View the official LFOA program online.

2011 MAP
Download the LFOA Map.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Mark O'Connell and Guest from Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce

Updated! Listen to the show: 
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce

This week Mark O'Connell, resident political expert and Executive Director of the Wisconsin Counties Association, is joined in the studio by James Buchen from the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. Make sure to listen and call in; join the conversation with your questions and comments!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Tune In This Saturday - Running An At-Home Business

Update: Listen to the Show!
Running An At-Home Business
This Saturday Diane will be joined in the studio by Pat Algiers, President of
Chemistry In Place, and Timothy Gill, promoter for the Milwaukee Home Business Expo, to discuss starting and managing a successful home-based business, along with how to overcome working-at-home challenges.

Pat and her company,
Chemistry In Place, specialize in helping clients set-up new households resulting from life transitions, whether it is a move to a different residence or staying in an existing home. She has helped many company Presidents and CEOs establish successful home offices. Pat and Diane will discuss how your home office should be set-up and designed to facilitate productivity. Learn about not only where in your home your office should be located, but tips on how to operate while working from home in order to maximize your time and provide clients with the best experience.  

Tim runs his own home business, Gill Enterprises, and is working with the Milwaukee Home Business Expo to bring direct selling companies and work-from-home business opportunities to everyday people. The Expo is next Saturday, June 4, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wisconsin Products Pavilion at Wisconsin State Fair Park. Purchase advance tickets online at a buy-one-get-one-free rate (2 for $10).

Listen to the show to hear Tim and Diane discuss the Expo and how you can utilize these great and affordable resources for stay-at-home business owners, including:

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

What's In a Name?

Basic Trademark and Intellectual Property Issues

Last week Diane was joined by Claude Krawczyk, an attorney with O'Neil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong & Laing S.C., to discuss basic trademark and intellectual property issues. Claude and his firm work with entrepreneurs, start-up businesses, corporations and the like. O'Neil, Cannon, Hollman, DeJong & Laing S.C. has been around since 1972 with a main office in downtown Milwaukee, and offices in Port Washington and Sheboygan. The firm's 32 attorneys are specialists in a wide variety of general business law issues and handle all aspects of the business world, working with everyone from start-ups to fortune 400 companies. 

Naming a business is one of the most exciting things you get to do as a business owner, but it can be difficult. If it's not going to be your name, how does it describe your business? How does it build a brand? What is the right name? Is it going to be memorable? Easy for people to say? And, how does it relate to what you do? Claude and Diane discussed when it's appropriate to register your name or the names of your products and other legal implications - all of the ins and outs of protecting your intellectual property.

They also reviewed the types of intellectual property, how they're different, and when each is used:
  • Trademark
  • Copyright
  • Patent
  • Trade Secret




Wednesday, May 11, 2011

This Week - Credit Specialist, Carie Nachreiner

Update: Listen to the show! Credit And Your Business


President of One Choice Credit Repair, Carie Nachreiner, will join Diane on the show this week to discuss what you can do to maintain or improve your credit score and how your credit score affects your business. 

Topics will include:
  • Your credit score
  • Increasing and repairing your credit
  • Bankruptcy
  • Foreclosure

Call into the show to ask about other topics and get your questions answered. 

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Terry Frett - New Health Care Reform

Terry Frett and Health Care Reform

Last Saturday's show featured resident benefits expert and "Business Solutions" return guest Terry Frett of Frett Barrington Ltd. Diane and Terry picked up from a discussion last fall and discussed the new health care reform, which "celebrated" it's first anniversary in March. Some of the new legislation was phased in beginning on September 23, 2010, with the renewal of employers' and individuals' plans, but new pieces of the legislation will be taking place this year and business owners will have to understand these changes and how they might affect their business.

Terry and Diane will review parts of the legislation that are already in place, as well as what is coming up in the near future.

More information:

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Spring Updating

A little like Spring cleaning, "Business Solutions" is doing some Spring updating. Below is a list of past shows that haven't been added to the blog yet. Hopefully you'll find something helpful for your business.

Apr. 23, 2011 Social Media
Diane Chamness and guest Steve Kabelowsky, content strategist with Platypus Advertising + Design, discuss social media. What is it about social media that is important for business today? Why and how you should be using it for your small business.

Apr. 9, 2011 At Home Business
Home-Based Businesses: 12% of all households have an at-home business and billions of dollars are made through home businesses each year. Discussing running a successful at-home business and how to overcome challenges.

Mar. 19, 2011 New Technologies
New technologies – what’s hot and what’s not with Jason Kayzar of MC2, a voice and data network business.

Feb. 12, 2011 IT Strategy
Guest Darren Fisher runs an IT consulting firm and helps companies strategically from a technology perspective.

Feb. 5, 2011 (Part 2 of 2) The New Normal Part 2
The “New Normal” for Business

Jan. 29, 2011 (Part 1 of 2) MP3 file coming soon...
The “New Normal” for Business: What is normal now? Discussing the current economic climate and how you can successfully operate in the “new normal.”

Dec. 18, 2010 Save on Your Taxes
Legal expert Barry White with certified public accountant Paul Wild discussing year-end tax planning that you can still do in 2010 to save on your taxes.

Dec. 11, 2010 Mark O'Connell and American Transmission Company
Mark O’Connell, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Counties Association, will be talking about energy with American Transmission Company’s Manager of Corporate Communication.

Dec. 4, 2010 How to Have a Great 2011
What are you doing differently in 2011? How you should approach your business differently this year.

Nov. 20, 2010 Top 12 Trends for 2011
Top 12 Trends for 2011: Staying optimistic and coping with the current economy; where and how to shift your business; businesses that are vital right now and how to tap into them; driving revenue.