First Business Bank: holds third manufacturing expo, offers a conduit for partnership collaboration for Wisconsin manufacturers

Contact: Kathy Epping, 608-333-4406

For interviews, contact Jodie Johnson at 608-358-6289

Grass roots event Leverages Wisconsin’s strong manufacturing base

(APPLETON, WI) – October 28, 2013 – First Business Bank – Northeast announces the third annual Manufacturing First Expo & Conference designed to provide outstanding connection opportunities for Wisconsin manufacturers. The event is scheduled for October 31, 2013 from 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay.

“Manufacturing is an important component of Wisconsin’s economy, particularly in Northeast Wisconsin, where 23% of all of the jobs are in manufacturing,” says Mickey Noone, President of First Business Bank – Northeast.

Wisconsin ranks fifth in states where manufacturing represents the largest total share of the state economy. Manufacturing’s share of output in the state is 19.1%. In terms of dollars,
manufacturing output in 2012 was $49.98 billion, the 12th highest in the U.S. In 2012, Wisconsin was a large producer of durable goods, which accounted for 11.3% of its GDP, up from 10.7% last year.

“It’s no wonder this event is significant to continued manufacturing growth in the state,” says Noone. “The goal of this event is to connect manufacturers to share knowledge, experiences and issues that impact their businesses. The idea is to leverage the knowledge base currently present in the state so all manufacturers can take that information to learn and grow.”

The strategy is supported by an admission fee of $95, so all key personnel at manufacturing facilities can attend. Attendees will also receive a roster of all attendees so they can make one-on-one contacts on their own, as well.

The program allows manufacturers to network through booth talks, exhibits, and breakout sessions. The expo will showcase Health Care Reform, Risk Mitigation, Tax Strategies and Incentive for Manufacturers and Customer-Centric Web Strategies. Speakers include:

· Rogerio Rizzi, Principal of Deloitte, LLP

· Mike Weller, President of Miller Electric

· Steve Van Remortel, Speaker, Chief Strategist & Talent Coach, also Author of the Award-Winning Book “Stop Selling Vanilla Ice Cream”, SM Advisors

· Secretary Reggie Newton, State of Wisconsin Secretary

· Scott Jansen, Director of Skills Development for the Department of Workforce Development

· Kris Levanetz, Human Resource Manager at Team Industries

· Chad Derenne, Senior Tax Manager at Baker Tilly

· Barb Fleisner-LaMue, Regional Account Manager at WEDC

· Mark Rhyan, Executive Vice President & COO of Sargento Foods, Inc.

· Dan Ariens, President & CEO of Ariens Co.

· Jeff Korhan, Author of “Built-In Social: Essential Social Marketing Practices for Every Small Business”

“Manufacturing is a significant element to Wisconsin’s economy,” says Ann Franz, Strategic Partnership Manager, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. “We believe this will again be an outstanding program for Wisconsin manufacturers of all types and a meaningful program for the state of Wisconsin.”

Manufacturing First Expo is presented by First Business Bank – Northeast, in partnership with Insight Publications and NEW Manufacturing Alliance. Top level sponsors include: Baker Tilly, M3 Insurance, WMEP, Skyline Technologies and Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP.

Members of the media are invited to attend Manufacturing First at no cost. Simply ask for Jodie Johnson at the event registration booth the day of the event.

ABOUT FIRST BUSINESS BANK – NORTHEAST

First Business Bank – Northeast is headquartered at 3913 W. Prospect Avenue in Appleton. In addition to offering commercial loan products, First Business Bank – Northeast offers a full line of deposit, investment, and equipment finance products through its affiliates First Business Bank – Madison and First Business Trust & Investments. Among these products are: remote deposit, treasury management, Internet banking, retirement plans, investment management services, trust services, asset-based lending, and equipment finance and leasing. For additional information, visit www.firstbusiness.com or call 920-734-1800.