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October 5 , 2007
In this Issue:
- UW System Board of Regents to Meet at UWRF Oct. 4-5
- Bi-state Angel Investors Symposium Set for Oct. 3
- Phillips Plastics CEO to Lecture as Executive in Residence
- January Term Registration Opens Oct. 8
- Wildlife Recreation Course Offered
- Free Presentations in October and November
- Exceptional Customer Service - It's Not a Goofy Idea
- Dealing with Difficult People
- Adult Language Classes at UWRF
- UWRF All-Campus Career Fair is set for Oct. 17.
- Food Microbiology Symposium set for Oct. 21-24
- Governor Doyle to Speak at the 5th Annual Synergy Conference Oct. 24 - 25
- Key Business Contacts
1. UW System Board of Regents to Meet at UWRF Oct. 4-5
The UW System Board of Regents will hold its first meeting at UWRF in nearly six years on Oct. 4-5. The 18-member board sets policy for UWRF and the other 25 campuses, and manages an annual budget of $4.3 billion. For many of the Regents, this will be their first visit to campus and an immersion in the issues of the St. Croix Valley.
Throughout the regular business meeting, UWRF faculty, staff, students and friends will provide presentations on the University, the region, UWRF budgeting and planning, and collaborations between the campus, business and industry, government and non-profits.
Regents will be provided with an overview presentation of UWRF and the St. Croix Valley, and hear about campus education initiatives such as international studies programs and campus sustainability initiatives.
Presenting on partnerships will be Bill Rubin, executive director of the St. Croix Economic Development Corporation; Theresa Johnson, chair of the Town of St. Joseph; and John Potter, executive director of the Phipps Center for the Arts. They will speak at 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 5.
A reception will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. on Oct. 4, and will feature displays on student research, sustainability, and outreach partnerships, such as the St. Croix River Institute.
Other campus activities centered near the University Center include the annual Outdoor Art Exhibit; and an international fair display in the UC, with a performance by Dance Theater. On Oct. 5 the campus will also host its annual “Science Day” to spark interest in the sciences for some 500 students.
All Regents events will be in the University Center. More information can be found at http://www.uwrf.edu/regents.
2. Gov. Doyle to headline Bi-state Angel Investors Symposium Set for Oct. 3
Gov. Jim Doyle will be the keynote speaker as UWRF hosts the first IQ Investors Corridor Symposium on Oct. 3.
The session, from 3-7 p.m. in the University Center, will explore opportunities for investing in business and industry in the St. Croix Valley. Gov. Doyle is expected to speak during a reception, which begins at 5 p.m.
The event is a collaboration of the Wisconsin Technology Council and Wisconsin Angel Network and the Minnesota High Tech Association and Minnesota Get-Go.
Topics include a showcase of Minnesota and Wisconsin business plan contest top entries; processes for tapping into tech transfers opportunities in both states; a panel discussion and case studies on collaborations between Wisconsin and Minnesota; and a networking reception that will be keynoted by Mark Lacek, a serial entrepreneur who inspired airlines perks programs while at Northwest Airlines.
To register for the session or for questions, visit www.wisconsinangelnetwork.com/events.
3. Phillips Plastics CEO to Lecture as Executive in Residence
Robert Cervenka, founder, chairman of the board, and chief executive officer of Phillips Plastics Corp., will speak at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls on Thursday, Oct. 11 as part of the College of Business and Economics' Executive-in Residence Program.
Cervenka's presentation, "The Creation and Sustaining of a High Performance Culture," will be held in the Riverview Ballroom of the University Center from 2 to 3 p.m. The presentation is free and open to the public.
Cervenka founded Phillips Plastics Corp. in 1964, in Phillips, Wis. He has more than 40 years experience in the plastic injection molding industry and has worked comprehensively in every facet of the business. Cervenka has been a long-time champion of entrepreneurial and technological development in Wisconsin and served on the original Governor's Science and Technology Council. He holds a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from UW-Madison.
Cervenka received the 2005 Seize the Day Award at the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs' Conference in Milwaukee. He serves or has served on at least eight committees related to business and technology, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; Northern Wisconsin Technology Council; Wisconsin Science and Technology Council; Education, Employment and Training Committee of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; and the University of Wisconsin-Stout Manufacturing Technology Transfer Board of Directors.
The CBE Executive-in-Residence Program is sponsored by Pierce-Pepin Cooperative Services. For more information on the program, contact CBE Dean Barbara Nemecek at 715-425-3335 or email.
4. January Term Registration Opens Oct. 8
January (or Winter) Term at UWRF offers personal and professional enrichment opportunities for not only students but community members. The winter term runs from Dec. 26 to Jan. 26. Registration for classes will begin Oct. 8.
More information about J-Term, including links to schedule of credit and non-credit classes, is available at http://www.uwrf.edu/jterm.
5. Wildlife Recreation Course Offered
The first of five, online courses for the Wildlife Recreation and Nature Tourism graduate certificate will begin Oct. 15. Participants will earn two graduate credits, which may be applied toward completion of the 15-credit certificate.
The course, Wildlife Recreation, Nature Tourism, and Sustainability-Based Systems, introduces students to the “big-picture” model of wildlife recreation and nature tourism through the lens of sustainability-based systems. Special emphasis in the course will be placed on sustainable community planning and cost-benefit analysis.
Certificate courses will be offered throughout the year in both online and in-classroom formats. Students must apply to UWRF for graduate study before registering for the courses.
More information about the certificate program, including course schedules and descriptions, tuition information and registration instructions, is available on the web site. Prospective students may also send an email or call the Outreach and Graduate Studies Office at 715/425-3256 or 800/228-5607.
6. Free Presentations in October and November
Discover the role that international travel programs have in educating today’s global citizens during a free presentation, “Educating Global Citizens: Travels with UWRF Students,” held at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 12.
In the 16th century, the grand tour through Europe was often undertaken by the young to expand their classical education. The International Traveling Classroom program at UWRF is the 20th century equivalent and provides students with a global perspective and experience.
Through an illustrated travelogue, Professor Charles Rader will discuss the challenges of learning “on the road,” the benefits of an international experience, and anecdotes on the experience of traveling with students for a semester in Europe.
Also, don’t miss “Torture, Prisoner Abuse and a few Bad Apples” held on Monday, Oct. 15.
Outreach and Graduate Studies and the College of Arts and Sciences offer the Community Classroom series each fall and spring. University faculty share their expertise through informal presentations on a variety of topics. All lectures are free, begin at 7 p.m. and are held at the River Falls Public Library, lower level, on the corner of Main and Union Streets.
A list of scheduled sessions is on the web at http://www.uwrf.edu/ogs or contact the Outreach office by email.
7. Exceptional Customer Service - It's Not a Goofy Idea
Discover secrets from companies known for their exceptional customer service that you can apply in your workplace or day-to-day business operations. This fun and practical seminar is led by James Schneider of Blue Chip Training and sponsored by the UWRF Outreach and Graduate Studies and the River Falls Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau.
This half-day seminar is offered on Tuesday, Oct. 16 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 1-4 p.m. The registration fee is $69 per participant and individuals will need to register in advance.
Contact the River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau at 715/425-2533 or send an email to the Chamber to reserve your place.
8. Dealing with Difficult People
Whether they're customers or co-workers, working with difficult people can drain your energy and sap your productivity. Learn powerful techniques to successfully deal with difficult people and situations. Be cool and in control, take charge with confidence and put an end to the aggravation!
This one day workshop is offered on Thursday, Nov. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is sponsored by the UWRF Outreach Office, Chippewa Valley Technical College and the River Falls Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau.
Register with a $25 payment by contacting the River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau at http://www.rfchamber.com/ or call 715/425-2533 or send an email.
9. Adult Language Classes at UWRF
Noncredit language classes for adults will continue at UW-River Falls this fall. The class fee is $85 and all classes will take place on the UWRF campus with free parking.
Visit the web site to find out language classes offered and to register, or contact Outreach Office at 715/425-3256 for more information.
10. UWRF All-Campus Career Fair is set for Oct. 17.
UWRF will host its 16th Annual All-Campus Career Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Riverview Ballroom at the University Center. The event is free to UWRF students and alumni, and attracted more than 1,000 students in 2006. Many students obtain an internship, permanent job position or an interview from attending the fair. Employers gain ambitious, skilled, and knowledgeable new talent.
The UWRF Career Fair is an excellent opportunity for employers to search for well-qualified students to fill permanent positions or internships with their company as well as to inform others about their organization and industry. The fair is designed to provide students with opportunities to find internships, part or full-time entry-level jobs, explore future career possibilities, and discover graduate school programs.
There is a $160 Registration fee ($180 after Sept. 1) for business participants. This includes one booth with a table for displays, free parking for one vehicle, one lunch, electrical power (if requested and available), and refreshments throughout the day.
Advance registration is required as it is available on a first-come, first-served basis and the registration deadline is Oct. 1.
There also are several sponsorship levels available to employers. For more information on this years event and to register for the fair, please visit the web site .
We look forward to seeing you there!
11. Food Microbiology Symposium set for Oct. 21-24
The 27th annual Food Microbiology Symposium and Workshop will be held Oct. 21-24. This year the focus will be on current concepts in foodborne pathogens and rapid and automated methods in food microbiology.
Speakers from academia, industry and regulatory agencies will provide an overview and update on the pathogens, toxins, and contaminants that may occur in food, water and the environment. The emphasis will be on the practical applications of this information to solve food microbiological safety and quality problems. In addition, technical representatives of select companies involved in developing and marketing instruments and assays for microbiological analysis of food will participate in the program.
Speakers include: John Butts, Land O'Frost; Reginald Bennett, FDA; Mark Carter, Silliker Food Science Center; Beth Ann Crozier-Dodson, Kansas State University; James Dickson, Iowa State University; Craig Hedberg, University of Minnesota; Nevin Gul Karaguler, Istanbul Technical University; William Krueger, Minnesota Department of Agriculture; David Linebac, University of Maryland; Guy Loneragan, West Texas A&M University; Rebeca Lopez-Garcia, Logre International Food Consulting; John Luchansky, ERRC-ARS-USDA; Melissa Newman, University of Kentucky; and Leslie Smoot, Nestle.
The symposium is for anyone interested in a small, interactive program to learn from outstanding national experts.
"There is an importance and significance of food safety, particularly microbiological issues dealing with pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria and E. Coli," said Purnendu (P.C.) Vasavada, professor of food science and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Professor and conference founder/coordinator. "The international conference attracts participants from academia, research and government labs and food industry."
A registration fee of $700 includes conference manual, abstracts of various presentations at the symposium, breaks, banquet on Oct. 23, and participation in the Rapid and Automated Methods in Food Microbiology Workshop. Registration is on a fist-come, first-serve basis. More information about group registration rates for the symposium is available from Doreen Cegielski at <mailto:doreen.m.cegielski@uwrf.edu> or call 715-425-3704.
For more information on the symposium visit http://www.uwrf.edu/food-science/foodmicrosymposium.
12. Governor Doyle to Speak at the 5th Annual Synergy Conference Oct. 24 - 25
The fifth annual Synergy Conference, "Collaboration for Sustainable Economic Growth," will be held on October 24 – 25 at the Plaza Hotel and Suites Conference Center in Eau Claire, WI.
The Synergy Conference, one of the most significant regional developments in Wisconsin, brings state, community, educational and economic interests together; identifies and addresses common issues facing western Wisconsin; and offers our region the opportunity to proactively shape its future.
Governor Jim Doyle will open the conference at 8:40 am on Wednesday, October 24th to an expected audience of 250 people. Come and visit with 20 business exhibitors from the region.
Keynote speakers for the conference include:
- Edgar Papke, "The Power of Alignment: Strategies for Synergy and Collaboration in a Fast-Changing World." Explore how leaders and their organizations can better work together to create greater synergy in support of common outcomes and goals.
- Kim Dider and Linda M. Chappe, "How to Turn Uncertainty into Boundless Opportunity." Come learn from two of the major players in this endeavor to find out how Newton, Iowa moved from being dependent on Maytag and its strong corporate citizenship to being a self-reliant, financially stable community.
The action sessions in the afternoon allow you to frame the issues in:
- Affordable Health Care
- Economic Development
- Education
- Quality of Life
- Workforce Development
Create action plans based on your discussions from the previous day at "The Synergy to Energy" concurrent action sessions on October 25. Be part of a key group of decision-makers who come up with solutions you can apply to your organization as well as help shape the future of our region.
Don’t miss this opportunity to listen to Governor Doyle and to put the power of our combined expertise to work for West Central Wisconsin. Complete conference information and registration is available at www.thesynergyconference.com.
13. Key Business Contacts
Don't know where to start to find help on business matters?
Try these contacts:
UWRF A to Z Directory: www.uwrf.edu/atoz/
Career Services: www.uwrf.edu/ccs/
Center For Economic Research: 715/425-3335 www.uwrf.edu/cer/
Center for Economic Education: 715/425-3269
College of Business and Economics:
www.uwrf.edu/cbe/
Outreach and Graduate Studies: www.uwrf.edu/ogs/
Small Business Development Center:
715/425-0620 www.uwrf.edu/sbdc/
Survey Research Center: 715/425-0701 www.uwrf.edu/src/
UW-RF BizNews is produced by the College of Business
& Economics, Outreach and Graduate Studies, Career
and Counseling Services, and the Office of Public Affairs.
Questions, comments or suggestions about this BizNews
E-mail? Contact Mark.A.Kinders@uwrf.edu.
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